Myles Turner ignited the Indiana Pacers with 20 first-half points, while Tyrese Haliburton contributed 19 points and 11 assists, propelling them to a 137-120 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday night, despite Luka Dončić’s impressive performance marking his fourth consecutive game with a 30-point triple-double.
Doncic’s remarkable effort included 39 points, 11 assists, and 10 rebounds. He now joins Russell Westbrook as the only player in NBA history with five straight 30-point triple-doubles, with Oscar Robertson being the sole other player achieving four.
Despite Doncic’s stellar performance, he faced tough opposition, shooting 15 of 30 from the field, including 4 for 13 from beyond the arc.
The Pacers showcased their depth with nine players scoring in double figures, with their bench outscoring the Mavericks’ bench 69-32. Myles Turner emphasized the team’s depth, stating, “Anybody can go off for 20 points on any given night. That’s such a luxury.”
Bennedict Mathurin provided a significant contribution off the bench with 19 points for the Pacers, while Pascal Siakam, the starting forward, added 13 points, 13 rebounds, and six assists.
Indiana bounced back from two consecutive losses, displaying resilience against Dallas, who endured their fifth loss in six games after a seven-game winning streak.
Coach Rick Carlisle commended the team’s adjustments, emphasizing their improved pace, aggressiveness, and ball movement compared to recent games. Despite Kyrie Irving’s 23-point effort for Dallas and contributions from P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford, the Mavericks couldn’t halt their skid.
The Pacers’ proficiency from long range, shooting 46.2% compared to the Mavericks’ 33.3%, was a significant factor in the outcome. Indiana’s reserves, particularly Ben Sheppard with four 3-pointers, played a crucial role in their three-point shooting success.
Furthermore, the Pacers’ defensive prowess, holding Dallas to 26.1% shooting in the third quarter, ensured their lead remained intact for the rest of the game.
Indiana’s victory propels them to eighth place in the Eastern Conference, one game behind Miami, while Dallas remains in eighth place in the West. As Coach Jason Kidd remarked, facing adversity in March serves as a valuable test for the Mavericks as they aim to navigate through tougher challenges ahead.
