Emotions ran excessive at the Pacers’ residence opener in an surprising approach.
The 2025 Eastern Conference champions, who welcomed back Tyrese Haliburton for his first residence sport since he tore his Achilles during Game 7 of the NBA Finals 16 months in the past, discovered themselves on the receiving finish of a dominant Mavericks efficiency.
But during the contest, as the Mavericks, who won 121-105, continued constructing a monstrous lead, Pacers wing Aaron Nesmith delivered a laborious foul to rising star Cooper Flagg on a dunk try shortly before halftime.
Cooper Flagg is fouled on a drive by Indiana swingman Aarom Nesmith during the Mavericks’ 121-105 win over the Pacers on Oct. 23, 2026 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. NBAE via Getty Images
Things instantly got chippy after the laborious foul as Flagg subsequently went to the locker room with a shoulder harm.
Nesmith was tagged with a flagrant foul, and he also obtained a double technical foul for his involvement in the subsequent skirmish, as did Mavericks wing Naji Marshall, who inserted himself into the motion in protection of his injured teammate.
Two Mavericks gamers also appeared to go away the bench though Mavericks head coach Dusty May said he thought both went to test on Flagg, perhaps avoiding any disciplinary motion from the league.
“Look, Nesmith is a great guy, a heck of a player. I’ve known him since he was in high school,” said May, who reached two NCAA Final Fours and won last yr’s nationwide championship just a few blocks away from Gainbridge Fieldhouse. “Obviously, an unfortunate play. Hopefully, Coop’s fine.”
Flagg continued to nurse his injured shoulder as he walked to the locker room space before the finish of the first half and did not return.
May later said Flagg would be evaluated over the next couple of days.
“Cooper has left shoulder soreness, he’ll be evaluated in the next couple of days,” May said before addressing whether Flagg wanted an MRI examination. “I really don’t know. I saw him in the locker room, he’s in good spirits. We’ll know in the next couple days what’s next.”
Cooper Flagg holds his shoulder after being fouled during the second quarter of the Mavericks’ win over the Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Getty Images
Flagg did not converse to reporters following the sport.
With the win, the Mavericks improved to 1-1, dropping Indiana to the same report.
Flagg, who started the season with 32 factors in 33 minutes in Houston, completed his two quarters in Indiana with 14 factors, six assists, 5 rebounds and three steals in just 17 minutes.
Aaron Nesmith (23) and Dallas’ Naji Marshall (3) change phrases during the second quarter of the Mavericks’ win over the Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Getty Images
Aaron Nesmith (23) and Dallas’ Naji Marshall (3) get into it after a foul in the first half of the Mavericks’ win over the Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
The Mavericks fly to Dallas and will play the second of a back-to-back on Saturday against the defending Western Conference champion Spurs.
The Pacers head to Brooklyn to take on the Nets on Sunday.
— with AP
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