Irving leads Mavericks past Pacers 121-105 in Gainbridge Fieldhouse

Opening Statement

The Dallas Mavericks secured a decisive 121-105 victory over the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Friday, October 23, 2026. Kyrie Irving topped the scoring charts for Texas with 24 points, helping his team overcome an early deficit to take control of the contest. The win brings both franchises to a 1-1 record in the early stages of the season.

Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown

Dallas established dominance early, jumping out to a 44-27 lead by the end of the first quarter. Irving contributed significantly to this surge, including a 28-foot three-point jumper and a driving layup that helped build an insurmountable advantage. The Mavericks extended their lead in the second quarter, outscoring Indiana 33-16 to take a commanding 77-40 halftime lead.

Cooper Flagg was active in this period, hitting multiple three-pointers and drawing fouls, while P.J. Washington added key points from beyond the arc.

The Pacers attempted a comeback in the third quarter, outscoring Dallas 33-21 to narrow the gap. Tyrese Haliburton led Indiana’s offensive push, adding crucial buckets and facilitating for teammates like Pascal Siakam and Ivica Zubac. However, Kyrie Irving answered with a 27-foot three-pointer late in the period, and P.J. Washington hit free throws to keep the Mavericks’ lead secure heading into the final frame.

In the fourth quarter, Dallas maintained its composure, winning the period 23-29 in terms of raw points but effectively managing the clock to preserve the margin. Naji Marshall was highly efficient in the closing minutes, scoring multiple baskets and dishing out assists. The Mavericks finished strong with a 121 total, while Indiana settled for 105 points despite Siakam’s 23-point effort and Zubac’s 11 rebounds.

Key Performers

For Dallas, Kyrie Irving was the primary offensive engine with 24 points. P.J. Washington controlled the glass with 13 rebounds, and Naji Marshall facilitated the offense with 6 assists. Cooper Flagg also made significant contributions, hitting several long-range shots and drawing fouls throughout the game.

On the Indiana side, Pascal Siakam led the Pacers in scoring with 23 points. Ivica Zubac was a force on the boards, grabbing 11 rebounds. Tyrese Haliburton orchestrated the offense with 7 assists but struggled to contain Irving’s impact from deep.

Final Notes

The game was played before an attendance of 17,274 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. With this result, both the Dallas Mavericks and Indiana Pacers stand at 1-1 on the season. No further playoff or series context is applicable to this regular-season matchup.

Sources

ESPN