Dallas MavericksOpen full analysis
Indiana PacersOpen full analysis
The Dallas Mavericks edged the Indiana Pacers 134–130 on February 22 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, surviving a balanced offensive assault from the home team. Pascal Siakam led Indiana with 30 points while Andrew Nembhard added 22, but the Pacers' 50% field-goal efficiency and 20 three-pointers made proved insufficient against Dallas's precision. Khris Middleton paced the Mavericks with 25 points, supported by P. Washington's 23 points, as Dallas shot 54.3% from the field despite making just 11 threes to Indiana's 20. The Pacers dominated the glass with 45 rebounds to Indiana's 39 and distributed 37 assists, yet committed 15 turnovers that proved costly in the tight contest. Dallas controlled the pace in the second and third quarters, outscoring Indiana in the second frame 35–33 while holding firm defensively with a 119.5 rating compared to the Pacers' 122.8. The game fell well short of the 237.5 Vegas total, finishing at 264 combined points. The Mavericks' road victory strengthens their playoff positioning as they continue their Western Conference push.
