INDIANAPOLIS — Following a tough loss to the floundering New York Knicks, the Indiana Pacers we’re looking to regain momentum before the NBA All-Star break. With Victor Oladipo still on minute restriction and TJ Warren still in the concussion protocol. The Pacers leaned on All-Star Domantas Sabonis for production against the Luka Doncic-less Dallas Mavericks. A huge Kristaps Porzingis double-double led to a 112-103 loss at Bankers Life Fieldhouse
In the first quarter, it was the Indiana Pacers versus Kristaps Porzingus scoring 11 of the Mavericks 25 points. The Pacers struggled to keep the 7-footer off the 3 point line and let him create a rhythm. Porzingus produced 3-three pointers and had his team leading after the first period.
The second quarter was the Domantas Sabonis Show scoring 9 points and 3 rebounds in the quarter. Sabonis served as a mismatch on the pick and roll with Malcolm Brogdon and it brought the Pacers back into the contest and eventually they led at the break 55-53.
In the third frame the Mavericks came out to a blazing start and stretched the lead to 8 points, but a late Victor Oladipo three pulled the game to within 5 points. Oladipo struggled in his third game back shooting 4-17 from the field and 1-10 from three. However, he seemed unwavering about his confidence and his coach was very supportive as well .
“You’ve got play the game,” McMillan said. “This is his October. He’s trying to play himself into a rhythm. Some of those looks are open looks. He’s not going to get a rhythm unless he shoots it and gets his confidence. The only way to get that is to play.”
In the fourth quarter the Mavericks stretched the lead back out to an 97-89 lead and seemed to be pulling away before a 9-5 Pacers run brought the game to within 4. The Pacers never got any closer and the game was sealed after a late Tim Hardaway Jr. three to seal the deal.
Kristaps Porzingis finished with 38 points and 12 rebounds leading the Mavericks to victory while Domantas Sabonis led the Pacers with 26 points 12 rebounds and 9 assists.
The Indiana loss was their second straight and dropped their record to 31-19 for the season. Dallas with the victory tied the Pacers with the same record.
Next for the Pacers is a road game against the defending champion Raptors in a quick road trip while the Dallas Mavericks face off with the youthful Memphis Grizzlies.
