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Mavericks edge Pacers 121-105 in season opener at Gainbridge Fieldhouse

Dallas defeated Indiana 121-105 on Friday, with Kyrie Irving scoring 24 points. The Mavericks took an early lead that Indiana could not fully overcome despite a third-quarter surge.

Zane Pennington· AI-assisted, edited by Jake Team

October 24, 20262 min read

empty basketball court - illustration, Jake Team LLC
NBAFinal
Dallas Mavericks121
Indiana Pacers105

October 23, 2026

Mavericks Extend Lead in First Half

The Dallas Mavericks secured a 121-105 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Friday, October 23, 2026, at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The visiting team established control early, outscoring the hosts 44-27 in the first quarter. Dallas maintained that momentum into the second period, adding 33 points to their total while limiting Indiana to 16.

At the half, the Mavericks held a commanding 77-43 lead, setting the stage for a comfortable win.

Pacers Attempt a Comeback

Indiana attempted to claw back in the second half, scoring 33 points in the third quarter compared to Dallas’s 21. The Pacers cut the deficit to 98-76 by the end of the third period, showing signs of life in their offensive execution. However, the Mavericks responded with a 23-point fourth quarter, outscoring Indiana 23-29 to close the game.

The final margin of 16 points reflected the early advantages Dallas built, despite Indiana’s efforts to pressure the defense late in the game.

Key Performances

Kyrie Irving led the Mavericks with 24 points, providing a steady scoring threat throughout the contest. Naji Marshall contributed 6 assists, facilitating the ball movement that kept the offense flowing. On the glass, P.J.

Washington anchored the frontcourt with 13 rebounds, securing crucial possessions for Dallas. For the Pacers, Pascal Siakam was the top scorer with 23 points. Tyrese Haliburton orchestrated the offense with 7 assists, while Ivica Zubac provided a strong presence in the paint with 11 rebounds.

The performance highlighted the depth of both rosters as they navigated the opening weeks of the season.

Season Context

Both teams finished the game with a 1-1 record, indicating a balanced start to their respective campaigns. The Mavericks’ ability to maintain their lead despite the Pacers’ third-quarter surge demonstrated their resilience. The attendance of 17,274 fans at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse provided a lively backdrop for the matchup.

As the season progresses, both teams will look to build on these initial results, with the Mavericks gaining confidence from their road victory and the Pacers seeking to refine their defensive consistency against high-powered offenses.

Sources

ESPN

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Zane Pennington· AI-assisted, edited by Jake Team

Zane Pennington covers Aubrey high school and area college sports.

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