INDIANAPOLIS – In a gripping showdown on March 19, 2025, the Dallas Mavericks faced off against the Indiana Pacers and fell short with a score of 135-131. Despite leading by seven points with just one minute remaining, a flurry of late-game mistakes allowed the Pacers to turn the tables in a heart-stopping finish.
Indiana Pacers coach Rick Carlisle had high praise for Mavericks forward Naji Marshall prior to the contest, highlighting his aggressive gameplay and significant growth throughout the season. “He’s an aggressive player and a player that I really like,” Carlisle said, noting how well Marshall has adjusted since signing a three-year, $27 million contract with the Mavs after four years with the New Orleans Pelicans.
Marshall showcased his skills by averaging 22.9 points and 7.9 rebounds over the previous eight games, which had been a period marked by injuries to his fellow teammates. His performance included a standout game against the Phoenix Suns on March 9, where he scored 34 points, added nine rebounds, and dished out ten assists.
In the game against the Pacers, Marshall contributed another notable performance, scoring 20 points and grabbing nine rebounds. However, his efforts were overshadowed by the overall team performance. The Mavericks dressed only eight players for the game, a reflection of their ongoing injury crisis. Star players including Klay Thompson, Caleb Martin, Kyrie Irving, and several others were sidelined.
The Mavericks initially struggled offensively, ending the first quarter with a mere 21 points, but managed to find their rhythm in the second. They rallied and entered the fourth quarter with a slim lead. A crucial moment came when Dallas led by as many as 11 points late in the game; however, a series of mistakes allowed Indiana to mount a comeback. In the final minute, Dallas experienced three turnovers and missed important free throws, resulting in the Pacers scoring 14 points in just 67 seconds to clinch the game.
Jaden Hardy made a return from injury and added 24 points, but like his teammates, he also had a few costly turnovers during crucial moments. His performance was characterized by the all-too-common inconsistencies that have plagued his season. Despite his contributions, the Mavericks’ overall free-throw shooting was dismal, finishing with 12 makes on 18 attempts in the final quarter.
The Pacers, for their part, were riding high on a wave of momentum from their recent games, having pulled off remarkable last-minute victories, including a remarkable four-point play by Tyrese Haliburton against Milwaukee just a week prior.
Carlisle reflected on the resilience of his current squad, emphasizing how important it was for them to capitalize on opportunities in a tightly contested league. “I do like how we've played in recent weeks,” he said. “We’ve had some lulls, but we managed to be very resilient.”
The loss marked the Mavericks’ ninth defeat in their last ten games, raising concerns around team depth and the psychological toll of a challenging season filled with injuries. As they continue their campaign, the growing influence of players like Marshall will be crucial for navigating the remaining stretch.
Furthermore, the Mavericks find themselves tied with the Phoenix Suns for the 10th and final spot in the Western Conference play-in tournament with identical 33-37 records. This scenario adds urgency to their next matches as they strive for playoff contention. Should Dallas and Phoenix end the season with the same record, the Suns would win the tiebreaker based on their superior head-to-head record.
As the Mavericks lick their wounds and strategize for the next phase of their season, the team must address their free-throw shooting and ball handling to get back on track. With the clock ticking down, the Mavericks need to regroup and find a path toward recovery if they’re to have any hope of making a significant impact this season.
