Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) goes around Indiana Pacers guard Quenton Jackson, right, during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Indianapolis, Friday, Oct. 23, 2026. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
AJ Mast/AP Photo/AJ Mast
INDIANAPOLIS — It only took two games, but Dusty May officially has his first victory as an NBA head coach.
In a game full of high-paced scoring, emotional crowd reactions and an injury to Cooper Flagg that places a cloud on his status going forward, the Mavericks coach led his team to a resounding 121-105 win over the Indiana Pacers on Friday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
The Pacers hoped to ride the emotional wave of Tyrese Haliburton’s first home game in 490 days to their second win in as many days. The franchise had gold shirts scattered all over the arena, but the Mavericks’ efficient offense spoiled Haliburton’s return.
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Here are five thoughts from the Mavericks’ win over the Pacers:
Flagg leaves the game with injury
Cooper Flagg was all over the place in the first quarter of Friday’s game, in a good way. He didn’t miss a shot, no matter if it was at the rim, the free throw line or beyond the 3-point arc. He scored 12 of his 14 points in the opening period.
He was on pace for another stat-stuffing performance, but left the game in the final minute of the second quarter after suffering a left shoulder injury. Flagg was on his way to a fastbreak dunk when he was fouled from behind by Pacers guard Aaron Nesmith, causing him to land on his left shoulder. He managed to knock down both technical free throws from the flagrant 1 penalty and double-technical fouls assessed to Nesmith and Naji Marshall. He was ruled out due to left shoulder soreness late in the third quarter, finishing with 14 points, five rebounds, six assists, three steals and one block.
With a 34-point lead at the half, the Mavericks’ new medical staff led by Nico Berg made the right call by holding him out of the remainder of the game, especially since Flagg dealt with a left shoulder injury as a rookie last season.
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Friday’s game was also the front end of the Mavericks’ first back-to-back this season. Flagg’s injury places his status in question for Saturday’s home opener against San Antonio.
Irving still looks like Irving
Kyrie Irving was already on pace for an impressive offensive performance before Flagg suffered his injury, but even more was required of the veteran guard with his co-star unable to play.
The nine-time All-Star was assertive throughout the game, finishing with 24 points, three assists, one steal and one block before he fouled out of the game with 4 minutes and 23 seconds left. He made eight of his 15 shot attempts and was the Mavericks’ best 3-point threat with five 3s on the night.
Before the game, May revealed that Irving is on a minutes restriction, but did not disclose the amount of minutes he’d be limited to. After playing almost 24 minutes on Wednesday in Houston, the Mavericks veteran played nearly 25 on Friday. After Wednesday’s loss, Irving said he’s still adjusting to the ramp up period as he works himself back into All-Star form.
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After scoring a point for nearly every minute he was on the floor, Irving looks like he’s one step closer.
1st quarter explosion
The Mavericks were haunted Wednesday in Houston by their 12-point second quarter performance. They responded with a 44-point explosion in the opening quarter thanks to offensive efficiency across the board.
Three players had at least two 3-pointers in the opening frame, including Flagg, Kyrie Irving and Marcus Sasser. Overall, the Mavericks made 8 of 13 from beyond the arc and 16 of 23 from the field, while limiting the Pacers to 27 points.
Last season, the Mavericks produced just two quarters last season with at least 44 points, two of 15 total 40-point quarters. They also produced nine first halves with at least 70 points, including their high of 80 in the season finale against Chicago.
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The Mavericks led by as many as 37 points and weathered a 31-point third quarter by the Pacers, but their first half set the stage for their first win of the season.
Washington’s two-way impact
P.J. Washington provided an impact on both sides of the floor on Friday night. He was the Mavericks’ best defender with three blocks to go along with his double-double of 20 points and 13 rebounds.
On a team full of wings, Washington showed why he’s still capable of being a third scoring option for the Mavericks. He found ways to get to the charity stripe and capitalized on those opportunities by sinking six of his eight free throw attempts. As the beneficiary of open 3-point attempts, the veteran forward was also consistent with a pair of triples.
The Mavericks have proven to be at their best when this version of Washington shows up. They’ll need more performances like this going forward, especially if Flagg’s injury is more serious than it appears.
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Marshall’s boost off the bench
Marshall returned to his role as the Mavericks’ enforcer and protector. He scored five points in the opening quarter, but he provided a significant boost off the bench for the remainder of the game.