Luka Doncic rues lack of defensive effort as Pacers pour in 134 points over Mavericks

Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks were routed 132-127 by the Indiana Pacers in their seventh game of the 2024-25 campaign on Monday night, falling to 4-3 on the young season. Indiana's 134 points were the most Dallas has allowed so far this season in an impressive offensive display.

Luka Doncic didn't mince words regarding Dallas' defensive effort following the game.

"I think our defense was bad tonight. We played, I think, great defense yesterday, and we kind of let go tonight. It was a lot of pace this game, so it was hard for a back-to-back."

The Pacers are notorious for playing in transition as one of the fastest teams in the NBA, giving Dallas a difficult matchup on the second leg of a back-to-back. As Doncic pointed out, the Mavericks were much-improved on the defensive end of the court on Sunday night versus the Orlando Magic, topping the Magic 108-85.

Indiana connected on 56.8% of shots from the field and 40.6% from 3-point range, with seven players scoring in double figures. The Mavericks also shot an impressive percentage, connecting on 51.7% of their shots and 41.7% of 3-point attempts, but couldn't muster the stops neccessary to overcome Indiana.

Luka Doncic notches heroic double-double effort vs. Pacers

Despite a poor defensive night from Dallas, Luka Doncic posted an impressive stat line in the Mavericks' loss. Doncic scored a game-high 34 points, dishing out a mind-boggling 15 assists and grabbing seven rebounds. He shot 9 of 24 and connected on four of his 10 3-point attempts.

Doncic managed a 30-point effort for the third time this season and the second consecutive game. His 15 assists set a season-high, eclipsing the double-digit assist mark for the first time this season.

In the matchup versus Orlando, the 25-year-old guard posted 32 points, nine rebounds and seven assists on 11-of-22 shooting.

Doncic and Dallas will have the opportunity to bounce back with a matchup versus the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night in the second of a three-game stretch at home. The Mavericks will look to steady the ship after losing two of their last three following their 3-1 start to the season.