Despite a notable lack of similarities in playing style, the fourth quarter debut for the Indiana Pacers was eerily reminiscent of last year's Pacers team. Entering ahead by nine, the Pacers saw the entirety of that lead disappear in the first two minutes, with the Dallas Mavericks tying the game at 94, breaking through for their first lead a minute later.
Indiana wouldn't allow the Mavs to go up by more than one, going back up by two in the closing minute. After a series of bad passes, Indiana would hold possession with 15 seconds, sending Jeff Teague to the line with a chance to ice the game away.