Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown
First Quarter: Dallas Sets the Tone Early (DAL 36, IND 33)
Dallas came out with purpose from the opening tip, outscoring Indiana 36-33 in the first quarter. The Mavericks established a rhythm on the offensive end early, moving the ball efficiently and getting contributions from multiple rotation players. The Pacers kept it close but couldn’t quite match Dallas’s energy in the opening frame, trailing by three heading into the second.
Second Quarter: Mavericks Maintain the Edge (DAL 35, IND 33)
Dallas carried its momentum into the second quarter, again outscoring Indiana 35-33 to take a 71-66 halftime lead. The Mavericks were particularly effective at sustaining offensive possessions and forcing Indiana to work on the defensive end. The Pacers’ offense was functional — they scored 33 points for the second straight quarter — but Dallas had an answer each time Indiana threatened to close the gap.
Third Quarter: Dallas Keeps Pulling Away (DAL 32, IND 29)
The third quarter followed the same pattern. Dallas outscored Indiana 32-29 to push its lead to 103-95 entering the final frame. The Mavericks held Indiana below 30 points for the first time in the game during this stretch, showing some defensive resolve when they needed it most. With a comfortable cushion heading to the fourth, it appeared Dallas was in control.
Fourth Quarter: Pacers Make a Run, But It’s Not Enough (IND 35, DAL 31)
Indiana’s best quarter came at the worst possible time — for Dallas. The Pacers outscored the Mavericks 35-31 in the fourth, cutting into the lead and making things uncomfortable late. Pascal Siakam and the Pacers’ offense found another gear, but Dallas had built up enough of a buffer to absorb the surge. When the final buzzer sounded, the Mavericks had survived, 134-130.
Key Performers
Khris Middleton — Dallas Mavericks: 25 Points (Game-High Leader)
Middleton was the steadiest hand in the Mavericks’ lineup on Sunday. His 25 points led all scorers and came at a measured, efficient pace that has become his trademark. Middleton’s veteran presence and off-the-catch shooting gave Dallas a reliable option throughout all four quarters, and his ability to score without forcing the action helped the Mavericks maintain their lead deep into the game.
P.J. Washington — Dallas Mavericks: 23 Points
Washington was equally important to Dallas’s offensive output, posting 23 points in a strong supporting performance. His ability to create on the interior and stretch the floor gave Indiana’s defense multiple problems to solve simultaneously. Washington’s production alongside Middleton gave the Mavericks a two-headed attack that Indiana couldn’t neutralize.
Pascal Siakam — Indiana Pacers: 30 Points, 8 Rebounds
Siakam was Indiana’s most productive player by a significant margin, finishing with 30 points and 8 rebounds — earning the team’s top rating on the night. The veteran forward gave the Pacers a credible offensive anchor, and his fourth-quarter energy helped fuel Indiana’s late push. Despite his efforts, it wasn’t enough to overcome the deficit Dallas had built over the first three quarters.
Andrew Nembhard — Indiana Pacers: 11 Assists
Nembhard was the engine of Indiana’s offense from the point guard position, finishing with a game-high 11 assists. His playmaking kept the ball moving and helped the Pacers generate quality looks — Indiana shot 50% from the field and connected on 20 of 42 three-point attempts (47.6%). Nembhard’s ability to find open teammates gave the Pacers a fighting chance throughout the contest.
Jarace Walker — Indiana Pacers: 9 Rebounds
Walker led Indiana on the glass with 9 rebounds, providing the Pacers with a physical presence in the frontcourt. His work on the boards helped Indiana stay competitive on the possession battle, though it ultimately wasn’t enough to overcome Dallas’s scoring advantage.
Game Analysis
This was a game defined by consistent Dallas execution and Indiana’s inability to generate a sustained defensive stop when it mattered most. The Mavericks were methodical — they led after each of the first three quarters and never trailed during the contest. Their 134 points came on the back of balanced scoring from multiple contributors, with Middleton and Washington doing the heavy lifting.
Indiana’s offense was not the problem. The Pacers shot 50% from the field, knocked down 20 threes, and generated 37 assists as a team — all strong numbers. The issue was defense, particularly the inability to slow Dallas in the first three quarters when the game was still being decided. By the time Indiana found its defensive footing in the fourth, the deficit was simply too large to overcome.
The Pacers’ 37 assists on 47 made field goals is a number worth noting — Indiana moved the ball exceptionally well. But points allowed in the first three quarters (103) told the real story of why they came up short. Dallas was more disciplined about limiting Indiana’s offensive bursts until the game’s final period, when the outcome was essentially decided.
For the Mavericks, this win carries psychological value beyond the two points in the standings. Ending a 10-game losing streak — regardless of opponent or location — provides a foundation to build on. The contributions from role players alongside Middleton and Washington suggest Dallas can compete when the offense is clicking across the roster.
What’s Next: Standings and Implications
With the loss, Indiana falls to 15-43 on the season (10-19 at home, 5-24 on the road), continuing what has been a difficult 2025-26 campaign. The Pacers will need to regroup quickly as they look for consistency on both ends of the floor. For Dallas, the 134-130 victory snaps the program’s longest losing skid of the season and provides a much-needed confidence boost. The Mavericks will look to carry this momentum forward as they continue to fight for positioning in the Western Conference standings. After 10 consecutive losses, one win doesn’t change the big picture — but it’s a start.
