Mavericks lose Cooper Flagg to a shoulder injury but spoil Tyrese Haliburton's home return 121-105

The Dallas Mavericks spoiled Tyrese Haliburton's long-awaited home return with a 121-105 win over the Indiana Pacers on Friday night. The victory came at a cost, as star forward Cooper Flagg left with a left shoulder injury.

Flagg, last season's NBA Rookie of the Year, was ruled out for the second half with shoulder soreness. Late in the first half he appeared headed for a breakaway dunk when Pacers swingman Aaron Nesmith fouled him hard from behind. Flagg lost his balance and landed awkwardly on the shoulder under the basket.

A brief shoving match broke out as coaches tried to separate the players. Nesmith was called for a flagrant foul. A double technical went to Nesmith and Dallas guard Naji Marshall. Flagg kept rubbing his shoulder as he walked to the locker room. He finished with 14 points, five rebounds and six assists in 17 minutes.

Dallas runs away early

Kyrie Irving led the Mavericks with 24 points and made 5 of 10 from 3-point range. P.J. Washington added 20 points and 13 rebounds as Dallas earned its first win under new coach Dusty May, who grew up in Indiana.

The Mavericks put the game away early. A 22-6 run in the first quarter opened a 42-23 lead. Dallas then scored 15 straight points in the second quarter to go up 61-31 and added another 10-0 run before the hard foul.

A tough night for Haliburton

It was Haliburton's first home game since the 2025 NBA Finals. He got a rousing ovation during player introductions. Indiana's play soon turned those cheers into boos. Haliburton finished with 18 points, seven assists and six rebounds.

Up next

Dallas hosts the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday night. Indiana visits the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday.