Dallas finds its answer—and May’s first NBA win

What changed

Two nights after one disastrous quarter buried Dallas in Houston, the Mavericks supplied the response before Indiana could settle in. They scored 44 points in the first quarter, led 77-43 at halftime and beat the Pacers 121-105 for Dusty May’s first NBA victory.

The change was not shooting alone. Dallas finished with 11 blocks and 10 steals, won the rebounding battle 46-41 and limited the live-ball mistakes that had fueled Houston. Kyrie Irving scored 24 points and made five threes; P.J. Washington added 20 points, 13 rebounds and three blocks. The ball moved early, the transition defense arrived on time and the Mavericks repeatedly covered for one another.

Indiana won the second half 62-44, so the closing offense still leaves May useful film. But Dallas did not merely survive a hot start—it rebuilt the exact links that broke Wednesday. Saturday’s home opener against San Antonio will show whether that connected first half can travel through a back-to-back.