Indiana Pacers offense clicks as they get back on track with important road win over Dallas Mavericks
The Indiana Pacers and Dallas Mavericks faced off on Tuesday night, and it was an important game for both teams. Each group was on a two-game losing streak entering the day and trying to climb out of eighth place in their respective conference.
Both teams got good news concerning their health status before the game, with Luka Doncic being the most notable player who was listed as questionable to suit up. The superstar guard gives everyone fits, and the Pacers were going to have to try to slow him down. Indiana beat Dallas late last month, but Doncic played well.
The early portion of the game showcased the Mavericks offense looking threatening. They were up 10-6 after about three minutes of play, and Doncic already had five points. Outside of two fouls on Dereck Lively II happening early, it was a great start for Dallas.
The hosts kept pushing and had 15 points in under four minutes, which led to a timeout from Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle. His team couldn't get stops despite their good-enough level on offense. They needed to defend better.
The stoppage helped, and Indiana went on a little burst out of the break. They cut the lead to 17-15 quickly, and Myles Turner was scoring easily. On the Pacers next possession, Turner tied the game in the lane.
Indiana looked great for the next few minutes, especially on offense. They kept finding the bottom of the net and took a three-point lead with 3:11 remaining in the first quarter. It was 27-24 at the time, and Turner was up to 14 points. Tyrese Haliburton had four assists and looked more effective.
Dallas went on a little run and tied the game at 32 with under one minute left in the first period. But the Pacers scored one more time and had a 35-32 edge after the frame. Turner had 14 points, and Haliburton had five assists.
The two teams traded baskets on the next few trips down the floor, but the Mavericks eventually tied the game with about nine minutes to go in the second period. Doncic was back in the game, and he was making impressive shots.
Neither team could miss for an extended stretch. With half of the second period over, both squads were already over 50 points, and Indiana led by four. It was an impressive display of offense.
Doncic hit a three on the Mavericks next possession, and he was up to 24 points. He's a star, and he was keeping the hosts in the game. It was an incredible display of shot making in the first half.
As the quarter reached its later stages, the Pacers held a slim lead. They were ahead 66-61 with three minutes to go in the half, and they were rolling on offense. Outside shots were falling for the visitors, which was important after two ugly offensive games.
Just after that moment, the Pacers went on a 8-4 run to expand their lead to five. They were crushing the Mavericks and their recently-poor defense. It was an impressive performance to that point.
Dallas closed the half with five-straight points, and the Pacers were up 74-70 at the break. It was a scoring explosion for the first 24 minutes. Turner had 20 points while Doncic had 28.
The second half started with a few great plays from Haliburton, and the Pacers were quickly up by nine. They were the far better team for the first two minutes of the third quarter — they needed to keep up that form.
Halburton hit another deep three with about nine minutes to go in the period, and the Pacers went up by 12 points. They were rolling, and their star was looking great. It was a significant sequence after two down games from the All-Star guard.
Indiana continued to roll for the next few minutes and were ahead by 15 with six minutes to go in the third period. The Mavericks were on a cold stretch from three, and it overlapped with a good run of play from the blue and gold offensively.
A quick 5-0 run from Dallas later in the frame cut the Pacers lead down to 13. Indiana was slowing down and dribbling too much. They needed to get back to playing their style if they wanted to maintain their big lead.
They responded to the Mavericks push effectively, and the blue and gold were ahead 106-88 after three periods. Haliburton had a great third quarter to push the Pacers lead. He was up to 16 points and nine assists at the time.
The final frame opened with great offensive play from Dallas, but the Pacers were able to maintain their lead despite the Mavericks consistently finding the bottom of the net. The home team had both Doncic and Kyrie Irving on the floor against Indiana's bench.
With just over eight minutes to go in the game, T.J. McConnell hit a three that gave the Pacers their first 20-point lead of the night. The Mavericks quickly responded to cut the edge to 15, but the visitors were doing well to maintain an advantage with their bench on the floor.
Every time Dallas went on a short burst in the fourth quarter, Indiana had an answer. With five minutes to go, the Pacers were up by 17. Their offense was clicking — they were up to 129 points at the time. They were a few good possessions away from winning.
Pascal Siakam scored for Indiana on their next possession, and they reached 131 on the scoreboard. They were dominant on offense for much of the game, and it was guiding them toward a win.
With just over two minutes to go, Haliburton hit a three to extend the Pacers lead to 18. That was the dagger. Indiana was going to win and end their losing streak, which they needed badly.
In the end, the final score was 137-120. The Pacers needed a win and got it. They improved to 35-28 with the victory.
Turner finished with 20 points. Haliburton had 19 points and 11 assists. Bennedict Mathurin also had 19, and McConnell's 13 points and seven assists were important.
Indiana next plays on Thursday when they host the Minnesota Timberwolves.
- Sources: Indiana Pacers signing forward Kendall Brown to three-year contract. CLICK HERE. Quenton Jackson is getting a two-way deal with the Pacers. CLICK HERE.
- Ben Sheppard is earning trust of Indiana Pacers with his hard play and quality performances. CLICK HERE.
- Pascal Siakam shows increased comfort level with Indiana Pacers in February win over New Orleans Pelicans. CLICK HERE.
- Indiana Pacers slow start leads to loss against San Antonio Spurs. CLICK HERE.
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