NBA News Wire
Mavericks 81, Pacers 73
Guard Monta Ellis led the Mavericks with 23 points, nine rebounds and six assists, and visiting Dallas posted an 81-73 win over the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday.
The Pacers (40-12) suffered a rare home defeat, falling to 25-3 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. The Mavericks (32-22) evened their road record at 14-14, bouncing back from a blowout loss to the Bobcats on Tuesday in Charlotte.
Dallas forward Dirk Nowitzki finished with 18 points and six rebounds, and reserve swingman Vince Carter added 11 points.
Four Pacers scored in double figures, led by guard George Hill, who had 14 points. Guard Lance Stephenson contributed 13 points and 10 rebounds, and forwards David West and Paul George added 12 points apiece.
Neither team shot well. Indiana hit 27 of 84 attempts from the floor (32.1 percent), while Dallas went 30-for-84 (35.7 percent).
NOTES: Dallas averaged 44.8 points in the paint during its five-game winning streak, which was snapped Tuesday night against Charlotte. During the same span, the Mavericks allowed just 32.4. In the loss to the Bobcats, the Mavericks were outscored 60-42 in the paint. … The Pacers allow an NBA low 35.1 points per game in the paint. … The Pacers swept the 2012-13 season series with the Mavericks, 103-83 at home and 103-78 in Dallas. … Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle spent four seasons as the coach of the Pacers (2003-2007), and led them to the Eastern Conference finals in 2004. … The Pacers entered Wednesday’s game 8-0 in the second game of a multi-game home stand. … G Devin Harris sat out due to a right knee/ankle injury. … Three technical fouls were issued in the first half, two against the Pacers (G Lance Stephenson and F David West), and one for the Mavericks (G Jose Calderon).