Emotions ran high at the Pacers’ home opener in an unexpected way.
The 2025 Eastern Conference champions, who welcomed back Tyrese Haliburton for his first home game since he tore his Achilles during Game 7 of the NBA Finals 16 months ago, found themselves on the receiving end of a dominant Mavericks performance.
But during the contest, as the Mavericks, who won 121-105, continued building a monstrous lead, Pacers wing Aaron Nesmith delivered a hard foul to rising star Cooper Flagg on a dunk attempt shortly before halftime.
Things immediately got chippy after the hard foul as Flagg subsequently went to the locker room with a shoulder injury.
Nesmith was tagged with a flagrant foul, and he also received a double technical foul for his involvement in the subsequent skirmish, as did Mavericks wing Naji Marshall, who inserted himself into the action in defense of his injured teammate.
Two Mavericks players also appeared to leave the bench though Mavericks head coach Dusty May said he thought both went to check on Flagg, perhaps avoiding any disciplinary action 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 year’s national 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 area before the end 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 needed an MRI exam. “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.”
Flagg did not speak to reporters following the game.
With the win, the Mavericks improved to 1-1, dropping Indiana to the same record.
Flagg, who began the season with 32 points in 33 minutes in Houston, finished his two quarters in Indiana with 14 points, six assists, five rebounds and three steals in just 17 minutes.
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
