Flagg's shoulder, Nesmith's flagrant, Haliburton's ovation

Tyrese Haliburton got the ovation. It was his first home game since the 2025 Finals, the building in Indianapolis stood for him, and then Dallas won 121-105. Kyrie Irving scored 24 and made 5 of 10 threes. P.J. Washington had 20 points and 13 rebounds. It was the first win for new Mavericks coach Dusty May, who grew up in Indiana and picked up the win in the state anyway.

The night's other story walked to the locker room at halftime and did not come back. Cooper Flagg, last season's Rookie of the Year, had 15 points, five rebounds and six assists when Aaron Nesmith fouled him on a play that looked like a breakaway dunk. Nesmith was called for a flagrant. A brief shoving match produced a double technical. Flagg had injured his left shoulder and did not play the second half. Haliburton finished with seven assists. Pascal Siakam led Indiana with 23. Ivica Zubac had 11 rebounds.

A homecoming and an injury on the other side, in the same game, is a lot for one Friday. The Pacers will remember the ovation and the loss. Dallas will remember a win and a shoulder that has to be checked in the morning.