STWF| DALLAS| (Oct. 29, 2025) — In a matchup defined by grit, depth, and survival, the Dallas Mavericks leaned on their bench to grind out a 107–105 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday night at American Airlines Center.
With both teams missing key starters due to injury, it was the role players who seized the spotlight. Brandon Williams poured in 20 points and Dwight Powell added 18 — both off the bench — as Dallas overcame a sluggish start and a 14-point deficit to close their five-game homestand on a winning note.
The Pacers nearly snatched a late win, as Aaron Nesmith grabbed an offensive rebound after RayJ Dennis intentionally missed a free throw with 3.4 seconds remaining. But Nesmith’s desperate, off-balance three at the buzzer clanked off the rim, securing the victory for Dallas (2–3).
Bench Ignites the Comeback
In a night when the Mavericks’ starting lineup struggled to find rhythm — and lost star forward Anthony Davis to injury in the first quarter — the Dallas reserves came alive. The bench contributed a season-high 64 points, the most by a Mavericks second unit in more than two years.
Powell, the 12-year veteran who has seen his minutes reduced in recent seasons, was the emotional anchor. The crowd roared with “M-V-P!” chants as he calmly sank free throws down the stretch, finishing a perfect 6-for-6 from the line.
“This was a total team win,” said Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd. “Guys stepped up. Our bench kept the energy high when we needed it the most. That’s what good teams do when adversity hits.”
Rookie sensation Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 overall pick in last summer’s draft, recorded his second double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds, showing poise beyond his years on both ends of the floor. He led all Mavericks starters in scoring.
Injury Concerns Cloud the Night
The win came at a cost. Anthony Davis, who has battled lower leg soreness throughout the preseason, exited late in the first quarter with left Achilles tightness and did not return.
Kidd confirmed postgame that Davis attempted to warm up for the second half but was held out as a precaution.
“He wanted to go back in,” Kidd said. “But at this stage of the season, it’s not worth the risk. We’ll reevaluate him and see how he feels tomorrow.”
Davis’ absence compounded frontcourt concerns, as Dereck Lively II missed his second straight game with a knee sprain. That left Powell to shoulder starter-level minutes — and deliver vintage production when Dallas needed it most.
Pacers’ Early Burst Fizzles Late
Despite the loss, Indiana (0–4) showed flashes of the offensive rhythm that carried them to last season’s NBA Finals. Pascal Siakam was dominant with 27 points and 13 rebounds, and Jarace Walker chipped in a career-high 20 points, showing why the Pacers remain optimistic about their long-term future.
But without regulars Bennedict Mathurin, Obi Toppin, and Myles Turner, Indiana’s offense sputtered as fatigue set in. The Pacers shot just 34.9% from the field, their lowest mark of the season.
“We’re fighting through a lot right now,” head coach Rick Carlisle said. “We had our chances, but our execution down the stretch just wasn’t there.”
The Pacers led by 14 late in the first half before Dallas stormed back with a 29–19 third-quarter run, capped by back-to-back threes from Williams and Flagg to take control.
Williams, playing his first game since returning from a brief team suspension following an arrest at DFW Airport, responded with a poised and efficient performance — a reminder of his value as a secondary playmaker.
What’s Next
The Mavericks will hit the road for a short two-game swing, while Indiana heads home to begin a four-game homestand starting Friday against Atlanta.
For Dallas, the storylines are clear: the bench looks deep, the rookie continues to impress — and all eyes turn to Davis’ health.
“We know what kind of team we can be when we’re healthy,” Kidd said. “Tonight was a step in the right direction. Now we’ve got to keep building.”
