INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The Indiana Pacers secured an impressive 135-131 victory over the Dallas Mavericks at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 20, 2025, capping off the game with a 14-3 run that showcased their tenacity and team spirit. With this win, the Pacers improved their record to 39-29, while the Mavericks fell to 33-37, further complicating their efforts to stay in playoff contention.
Before the game, the Pacers faced a tough decision regarding the participation of All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton and forward Pascal Siakam. Haliburton, recovering from a back injury sustained during the previous match against the Milwaukee Bucks, was ruled out alongside his fellow All-Star, Klay Thompson of the Mavericks, who also missed the game due to illness. Interestingly, the Pacers welcomed back Myles Turner, who played a crucial role in the victory with his experience on the court.
Throughout the game, the Pacers displayed remarkable cohesiveness, with strong performances from key players. Pascal Siakam led the team with an impressive 29 points and 5 assists, making it his fourth consecutive game scoring over 25 points. Meanwhile, Bennedict Mathurin further contributed to the score with 23 points and 7 rebounds, displaying his skills and determination.
On the Mavericks' side, the absence of their franchise cornerstone, Luka Dončić, weighed heavily on the team. Since trading for Anthony Davis, who had only played one game for Dallas due to a strained left abductor, the Mavericks have struggled immensely. Coach Jason Kidd expressed hope regarding Davis’s recovery, noting, “Hopefully, the outcome continues to be positive, some good things, but I just feel like it's still some time away for him to get into a game,” yet this optimism does little to offset the challenges the team now faces.
In addition to Davis, the Mavericks were without several other key players, including Kyrie Irving (due to a sprained left knee), Caleb Martin (strained right hip), and Dereck Lively (ankle injury). This extensive injury list underscored the Mavericks' difficulties, as they prepared to face a strong Pacers team lacking essential guards in starting roles.
The backdrop of this contest saw the Pacers coming off a thrilling 132-130 overtime victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves just days earlier, a win that strengthened their confidence and positioned them excellently to seize opportunities against a faltering Mavericks team. While the Pacers had their own questions with Haliburton and Siakam, their depth and playing resilience shone brightly in this latest battle.
As the game unfolded, the Pacers capitalized on their home court advantage. They pushed to maintain a lead by focusing on their offensive rhythm and ensuring solid defensive plays that restricted opponents' scoring opportunities. The pivotal moments in the second half saw notable contributions from both Turner and Siakam to maintain momentum.
The Mavericks managed to keep the score close throughout the first half, with standout performances from PJ Washington who scored 26 points and Jaden Hardy who added 24 points. However, the late surge by the Pacers was too powerful for the Mavericks to handle. This decisive win highlighted not just individual greatness but the team’s struggle against the odds stacked against them.
Strategically, the Pacers utilized their bench effectively, ensuring that fatigue did not set in against an exhausted Mavericks lineup. Additionally, they combined their offensive prowess with a robust defense that contributed greatly to their closing run. The Pacers' depth and effective teamwork allowed them to exploit the factors driving the Mavericks to struggle, while the fans attending were certainly thrilled with the comeback they witnessed.
With their victory over the Mavericks, the Pacers have solidified their position in a close playoff race, increasing the margin over teams like the Milwaukee Bucks, who remain only a game behind in the standings. Upcoming games will be critical as teams vie for playoff positioning.
The loss for the Mavericks puts them in a challenging situation as they seek consistency and a way to bounce back from their recent slide. As the season continues to unfold, both teams will be looking to harness what they learned from this encounter in their future matches.
The next few weeks will see the stakes heighten in the competition for the playoffs, and the Pacers, building momentum, seem well-poised to embrace the challenges ahead.
