The Dallas Mavericks fell to a 127-134 loss to the Indiana Pacers at home in embarrassing fashion, as the Mavericks defense completely capitulated under the high-octane Pacers offense ran by former Mavs coach Rick Carlisle. The Mavericks were led by Luka Doncic putting up an inefficient 35 points (9-24 FG), seven rebounds, and 15 assists while having one of his worst defensive performances of the season. Kyrie Irving got hot after a slow start and ended the night with 27 points (11-21 FG.
Klay Thompson had a strong outing with 16 points (4-8 3PT) while Naji Marshall had the sixth 20-point (8-9 FG) game of his career off the bench. The Pacers exploited the Mavericks playing without backup defensive big Dereck Lively II, ending the night with 30 points (10-17 FG) and 11 rebounds. Tyrese Haliburton had one of his first efficient games of the season by notching his fourth-consecutive double-double with 25 points (10-16 FG) and 12 assists.
Pascal Siakam put up 23 points (10-16 FG) and attacked the Mavs frontline while Bennedict Mathurin put up 16 points (7-13 FG). Here are three major takeaways from this matchup between two offensive-minded teams. The Mavericks Need Dereck Lively II The big news for the Mavericks before tip-off was that second-year center Dereck Lively II had been suddenly ruled out for the fixture after sustaining a shoulder injury during warmups.
Lively has been Dallas' bench big behind Daniel Gafford this season, but his multi-faceted impact on the Mavs offense.