Mavericks Beat Pacers 121-105 Behind Irving and Washington

The Dallas Mavericks defeated the Indiana Pacers 121-105 on Friday, October 23, 2026, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, with Kyrie Irving leading all scorers with 24 points. P.J. Washington added 20 points, 13 rebounds and three blocks as Dallas built a 34-point halftime lead and held off Indiana’s second-half response.

Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown

First Quarter: Mavericks Establish a 17-Point Lead

Dallas took control immediately, outscoring Indiana 44-27 in the opening quarter. That period accounted for more than a third of the Mavericks’ final point total and gave the visitors an early cushion.

Second Quarter: Dallas Extends Its Advantage

The Mavericks followed with a 33-16 second quarter, increasing their lead by another 17 points. Dallas entered halftime ahead 77-43, having scored at least 33 points in each of the first two periods while limiting Indiana to its lowest-scoring quarter of the night.

Third Quarter: Pacers Begin to Recover

Indiana responded after halftime, outscoring Dallas 33-21 in the third. The Pacers reduced the deficit to 98-76 entering the fourth quarter, but the Mavericks still held a substantial 22-point advantage.

Fourth Quarter: Dallas Finishes the Road Win

The Pacers won the final period 29-23, completing a 62-44 second-half scoring advantage. That improvement narrowed the final margin to 16 points, but Dallas’ first-half production proved decisive in the regulation victory.

Key Performers

• Kyrie Irving, Mavericks: Led all scorers with 24 points.
• P.J. Washington, Mavericks: Delivered a double-double with 20 points and a game-high 13 rebounds, plus three blocks.
• Naji Marshall, Mavericks: Led Dallas with six assists.
• Pascal Siakam, Pacers: Paced Indiana with 23 points.
• Tyrese Haliburton, Pacers: Contributed 18 points, six rebounds and a team-high seven assists.
• Ivica Zubac, Pacers: Led Indiana with 11 rebounds.

NerdSports Stat: Dallas gained 21 points on Indiana from 3-point baskets alone, making 14 threes to the Pacers’ seven—a perimeter scoring advantage five points larger than the final margin.

Game Analysis

Perimeter Efficiency Separates the Teams

The Mavericks shot 50.0% from the field, making 44 of 88 attempts, and connected on 14 of 34 from beyond the arc for 41.2%. Indiana finished at 44.8% overall and made just seven of 32 threes, a 21.9% conversion rate. With the teams attempting nearly the same number of shots, Dallas’ superior accuracy made a clear difference.

Rebounding and Free Throws Support Dallas

Washington’s 13 rebounds helped Dallas finish with a 46-41 advantage on the boards. The Mavericks also converted 19 of 23 free throws, or 82.6%. Indiana earned five more attempts at the line but made 20 of 28, finishing with only a one-point advantage in that category.

Ball movement was productive on both sides: Dallas recorded 28 assists, while Indiana had 27. The sharper distinction was finishing efficiency, particularly from long range, rather than a large gap in assisted baskets.

A Strong Response, but Too Much Ground to Recover

Indiana’s second-half performance reduced a 34-point halftime deficit by 18 points. Still, Dallas had already established enough separation to absorb the improved Pacers scoring. For Indiana, the contrast between its 43-point first half and 62-point second half underscored how costly the opening two quarters were.

Closing Context: Both Teams Stand at 1-1

Dallas improved to 1-1 overall and 1-1 on the road in the Western Conference, while Indiana fell to 1-1 overall and 0-1 at home in the Eastern Conference. The Pacers next host the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday, October 25, at 3:00 p.m. PDT. The Mavericks return home to face the Miami Heat on Monday, October 26, at 4:30 p.m. PDT.

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