Mavs Edge Pacers

The Dallas Mavericks edged past the Indiana Pacers 107-105 on October 29, 2025, in a closely contested matchup at American Airlines Center. Playing without several key contributors due to injury, both teams relied on unlikely heroes and bench depth to fill the voids in their rotations.

Game Overview

The contest began with the Pacers seizing early momentum, building a 14-point advantage late in the first half—a lead that appeared secure as the Mavericks struggled to generate offense and managed just two of their first eight field-goal attempts. Adding to their woes, Dallas big man Anthony Davis left the game late in the opening quarter with lower left-leg soreness and did not return, compounding injury troubles for the Mavericks.

Key Performances

Dallas rallied in the third quarter, outscoring Indiana 29-19 and eventually stretching their lead to 12 points. Bench production proved decisive, led by Brandon Williams, who scored 20 points in his first appearance of the season following a brief absence due to personal matters. Dwight Powell chipped in 18 points, drawing “MVP” chants from the home crowd as he hit crucial free throws down the stretch. Cooper Flagg, last summer’s top NBA draft pick, notched his second career double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds.

On the Pacers side, Pascal Siakam delivered a standout performance with 27 points and 13 rebounds, while Jarace Walker notched a career-high 20 points. However, Indiana’s offense stagnated in the second half, finishing with a season-low 34.9% shooting from the floor.

Crucial Moments

Indiana staged a late rally, with Pascal Siakam hitting back-to-back threes to keep the Pacers within striking distance in the final minutes. Down three, RayJ Dennis hit a clutch three-pointer, and after a strategic foul, missed a free throw on purpose in hopes of setting up a game-winning play. Aaron Nesmith grabbed the offensive rebound, but his desperation three-point attempt missed as time expired, sealing Dallas’ victory.

Injury and Team Context

Both teams were depleted, with Indiana missing five regulars who powered their previous season’s Finals run and Dallas losing Davis to injury during the match. The Mavericks completed their season-opening five-game homestand with their second win of the season, while the Pacers fell to 0-4, their worst start since 1988-89.

Up Next

The Pacers return home to begin a four-game homestand starting Friday against Atlanta, while the Mavericks play their first road game of the season against Detroit in Mexico City.

The victory showcased Dallas’s resilience and the emerging impact of rookie Cooper Flagg, while continuing the Pacers’ search for their first win of the campaign.