The Dallas Mavericks were looking for a bounce back after a "horrendous" showing, in Kyrie Irving's own words, against the Houston Rockets in the season opener on Wednesday.

Their second game was on the road against the Indiana Pacers, who beat the New Orleans Pelicans in their first game.

It may have been Tyrese Haliburton's first game back in Indiana since tearing his Achilles in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals, but that would be overshadowed quickly.

It was a much better showing for the Mavs, and a complete turnaround from what we saw in their first game. They were down by 32 at halftime against the Rockets on Wednesday, but were up by 34 at halftime of this game.

The Mavericks scored 44 points in the first quarter, one of their best quarters in recent memory. Yet, at the end of the first half, Cooper Flagg had what looked to be an open dunk before Aaron Nesmith fouled him hard from behind, with Flagg coming down on his left shoulder.…