Bench brilliance ignited a comeback as Williams and Powell powered shorthanded Mavericks past Pacers, overcoming early Davis exit and late scares.
DALLAS — The Dallas Mavericks survived a rash of injuries and a late scare to outlast the Indiana Pacers 107-105 on Wednesday night at American Airlines Center.
Despite losing Anthony Davis in the first quarter with lower left leg soreness, Dallas leaned on its bench to deliver a much-needed win and close its five-game homestand at 2-3.
Brandon Williams scored 20 points and Dwight Powell added 18 with six rebounds and two blocks as the Mavericks overcame a 14-point deficit. Rookie forward Cooper Flagg posted 15 points and 10 rebounds for his second double-double in five career games, while Max Christie chipped in 10 points.
The win didn’t come easy. Dallas trailed 44-31 midway through the second quarter before using a 29-19 third period to seize control. The Pacers clawed back late, and after RayJ Dennis intentionally missed a free throw with 3.4 seconds left, Aaron Nesmith’s open 3-pointer at the buzzer rimmed out.
Davis’ absence loomed early. The eight-time All-Star, who started at center due to injuries to Dereck Lively II (knee sprain) and Daniel Gafford (ankle sprain), left with 4:12 remaining in the first quarter after grimacing while retreating on defense. He had four points and four rebounds in seven minutes before being ruled out.
Davis had been listed as probable with bilateral Achilles tendinopathy entering the game. Coach Jason Kidd said after the win that the team chose caution.
“He tried to return but we didn’t want to take any chances,” Kidd said. “We’ll see how he feels going forward.”
The Mavericks were also without Kyrie Irving (left knee surgery) and Danté Exum (right knee injury), leaving the rotation short-handed yet again. Kidd praised the group’s collective response.
“I thought B-Will was great,” Kidd said of Williams. “He attacked, scored, and competed on the defensive end. DP—fans chanting ‘MVP’—just a true pro. With the injuries we have, those guys stepped in and took full advantage.”
Powell, a 12-year Maverick who’s often played a reserve role, hit 10 of 12 free throws — both career highs — and drew those “MVP” chants in the closing minutes.
“I just tried to focus on making free throws,” Powell said. “It’s always tough when one of your main guys goes down, but whoever’s number is called has to compete. Fortunately, a bunch of guys stepped up tonight.”
Williams, who had been scoreless through the first two games and missed two others, returned with a burst of energy that steadied Dallas.
“He came out and played at a very high level for us,” Kidd said. “His speed and ability to get to the rim is something we haven’t had here lately.”
For Flagg, the No. 1 pick in June’s draft, the night provided another early glimpse of his poise under pressure.
“When a great player like AD goes down, we just have to stay consistent,” Flagg said. “It’s about sticking to the game plan and being ready to step up. DP came in huge for us — he’s just so consistent.”
Powell, who’s mentored Flagg through his first month in the NBA, returned the praise.
“Cooper’s a competitor by blood,” Powell said. “He loves the game and works extremely hard. The sky’s the limit.”
Pascal Siakam led Indiana with 27 points and 13 rebounds, while Jarace Walker scored a career-high 20. The Pacers shot just 34.9% from the field — their worst mark in five years — and dropped to 0-4 for the first time since 1988.
Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said his team’s long injury list — which included Tyrese Haliburton, Bennedict Mathurin, and Obi Toppin — can’t be used as an excuse.
“We’ve got to be the best with the guys we have available,” Carlisle said. “Wins are not easy to come by even when you’re healthy. We’ve got to be creative during this period.”
For Dallas, the focus now shifts south of the border. The Mavericks will face the Detroit Pistons on Saturday in Mexico City — their first road game of the season — hoping to build on Wednesday’s gritty finish.
As Kidd put it, “We’re trying to find our way. It takes 82 games to do that. When we get healthy, that’ll be a blessing too.”