Although most fans perceive the Indiana Pacers as all offense and no defense, the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference shocked the world on Thursday. Despite trailing in the final minute vs. the Dallas Mavericks, the Pacers snatched a victory out of the road team's jaws. The Pacers stole the game vs. the Mavericks in a 135-131 clutch victory at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Down Tyrese Haliburton for the second consecutive game due to a sore back, Pacers All-Star Pascal Siakam stepped up to the plate at an elite level. The history between the two teams runs contrary to what most NBA fans would assume.
Indiana won the last five of six contests over Dallas; regardless of who is on the court, the Rick Carlisle-coached team has its ringer on the Western Conference unit's pulse. As the Pacers hit their groove, the Mavericks lost theirs, especially as injuries and not having Luka Doncic on the roster have significantly drained the physically and mentally drained team.
Siakam led the game with 29 points on a remarkable shooting performance. The Pacers star converted 11 of 16 field goals and shot an outstanding 3 for 4 clip from 3. In addition to the dominant shooting display, Siakam stole the ball from the Mavericks in the final minute, leading to Andrew Nembhard's game-winning 3.
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Conversely, Mavericks forward PJ Washington, who went 50 percent from the free-throw line in the fourth quarter, led his team with 26 points.
Spitting in the face of the idea they can only win with their offense, the Pacers' basketball IQ and physicality helped steal the contest from the desperate Mavericks.
Given the proximity of the Milwaukee Bucks and the Detroit Pistons for the Eastern Conference's fourth seed, the Pacers' clutch victory on Wednesday holds significant weight in a competitive playoff race.
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This story was originally published March 20, 2025 at 10:23 AM.