The Dallas Mavericks (20-36) finally won what turned out to be a fun, competitive NBA game, even if it was against two bad teams. Dallas beat the Indiana Pacers (15-43), 134-130, behind a full team effort. The Mavs had six scorers finish in double figures, including a monster 25 points on 11-for-15 shooting night from Khris Middleton. Naji Marshall had 17, PJ Washington had 23, and Max Christie had 16. For the Pacers, Pascal Siakam finished with 30 points while Andrew Nembhard had 22 points and 11 assists.
The Pacers made a season high 20 3-pointers, and the Mavs still found a way to win.
The first half was all offense from the jump. Middleton and Marshall traded buckets with Siakam and Nembhard before Washington scored eight of Dallas’ first 22 points to help fuel a 36-point opening quarter, despite sloppy live-ball turnovers on both sides. The second quarter brought even less resistance, with five different players scoring early and clean looks everywhere as the Mavs took a 71-66 halftime lead. Dallas shot 55.3 percent from the field and 7-of-13 from distance, led by Washington’s 16 and Middleton’s 12, while Indiana matched efficiency at 54.3 percent shooting (10-of-17 from deep) to keep it tight.
The third quarter remained competitive, ending 103-95, as Marshall made four of his five attempts in the frame, Williams drew fouls and made free throws, and Middleton added timely buckets. At the same time, Indiana answered through Siakam’s timely 3-point shooting. The fourth quarter turned into another shootout, with Indiana finishing with a season-high 20 3-balls and no defense being played on either end. Middleton went unconscious in the midrange, and Washington added key finishes and offensive rebounds. In a game defined by shot-making and momentum swings, Dallas made just enough winning plays late to close out an exciting win.
Is PJ Washington back?
P.J. Washington delivered one of his most complete performances of the season in this one. In 36 minutes, he finished with 23 points on an efficient 8-of-14 shooting, including 6-of-8 from the free-throw line, while adding nine rebounds. He was decisive offensively, attacking mismatches instead of settling, and his efficiency stood out in a game where shot selection mattered. Washington also chipped in across the board with two assists, a steal and a blocked shot, impacting possessions beyond just scoring. When Dallas needed steady production and physicality, Washington delivered.
More importantly, this game fits a recent trend. Over the last few outings, Washington has started to look more decisive and more engaged defensively, crashing the boards with purpose and taking 3-pointers in rhythm instead of hesitating. The scoring efficiency has fluctuated, but the aggression and activity have returned. When Washington is rebounding at that level and confidently stepping into shots, he looks a lot more like the version Dallas relied on during the team’s NBA Finals run. It may be too early to declare anything definitive, but if this stretch continues, it is fair to at least float the idea that Washington might be back.
Marvin Bagley III deserves a look next season
Marvin Bagley III gave Dallas meaningful frontcourt production in this one. In 26 minutes, he finished with 12 points on 5-of-9 shooting and pulled down 11 rebounds, including nine on the defensive glass. He was efficient around the rim, ran the floor well, and consistently cleaned up possessions that could have turned into second chances for the opponent. His activity on the boards helped Dallas control stretches of the game, and his ability to convert inside kept the offense balanced when perimeter shots weren’t falling.
This was not a one-game flash. Over the last few outings, Bagley has quietly been efficient in limited minutes, rebounding consistently and staying within the flow of the offense instead of forcing shots. The production has been steady, not loud, but meaningful. If this stretch continues, he has absolutely earned a real look in training camp next season. Dallas is always searching for dependable frontcourt depth, and Bagley has shown he can provide energy, rebounding, and efficient interior scoring without needing touches drawn up for him.
Turnovers are everything
The Mavericks finished with just 11 turnovers total, and that alone changed the entire texture of the game. Based on the play-by-play, the giveaways were controlled in both halves rather than coming in damaging clusters, as has hurt them in other losses. Dallas avoided the dreaded live-ball turnover runs and four-possession spirals that fueled opponent transition waves. Instead, the Mavs valued possessions, even without a traditional guard-heavy rotation stabilizing things. For a roster that has struggled at times with ball security, especially when shorthanded in the backcourt, an 11-turnover night is not just a stat — it needs to be an identity shift. When they protect the ball like that, they give themselves a chance against anyone.
