Pacers collaborate to impede the Mavs.
Although Doncic and Irving had their moments, the Pacers made them work hard for their points, particularly with Andrew Nembhard’s solid defensive performance against them. Every basket from the Mavericks was hard-earned, highlighting the Pacers’ resilience. Despite Doncic scoring 33 points and Irving adding 29, Dallas couldn’t match the Pacers’ firepower.
Nembhard initially marked Irving and later switched to Doncic for much of the game, while Benn Mathurin defended the other star player. Mathurin’s contributions, especially on the boards with 14 points and 11 rebounds, were crucial despite some defensive lapses compared to Nembhard.
The victory was a collective effort, showcasing the Pacers’ depth superiority over the Mavericks. Both starters and bench players played pivotal roles in securing the win.Tyrese Haliburton, although contributing 17 points, 10 assists, and 4 steals, played only 31 minutes, a testament to the team’s depth. Myles Turner also played a critical role, scoring a season-high 33 points with effective shooting from various areas on the court.
Ben Sheppard’s performance was particularly noteworthy, making all five of his three-point attempts and providing a crucial momentum swing with timely shots, especially during a decisive 9-2 run in the fourth quarter.
The Pacers effectively halted the Mavericks’ seven-game winning streak by relying on their depth and refusing to let up at any point in the game. The bench, led by TJ McConnell with 12 points and 7 assists, contributed significantly to the victory.
The depth of the Pacers also allowed them to manage their players’ minutes effectively, considering the back-to-back games with the Raptors. Nembhard and Mathurin, who played significant minutes against the Mavericks’ stars, showcased their defensive prowess once again.
The quality win should instill confidence in the Pacers as they face the Raptors next, especially considering their position in the Eastern Conference standings, just half a game behind fifth place. There’s no room for complacency, and every opponent must be taken seriously, acknowledging that each game may require a different winning strategy.
