3 takeaways from Mavericks dominant win over Pacers

Takeaway from Dallas Mavericks win over Pacers: 2. Carlisle gets his flowers

Longtime Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle was back in Dallas for the first time leading the Pacers, and his former franchise put together a fantastic and emotional tribute video. Fans can watch it again below.

Carlisle was moved to tears as he saluted the American Airlines Center crowd that was giving him a standing ovation following his tribute.

The 62-year-old coached the Mavericks to 555 wins in his 13 seasons in Dallas, including piloting them to their only championship in franchise history in 2011. He is arguably the best coach in franchise history and one of the all-time greats, so it was fantastic to see Carlisle get well-deserved love on Saturday night.

His former players proceeded to take it to him when the game tipped off. The Mavericks dropped 132 points on the Pacers as superstar Luka Doncic shredded Indian’s defense. It had to be a bittersweet night for the longtime Mavericks coach. It was certainly odd to see him wearing Pacers gear and patrolling the opposing sideline.

Rick Carlisle will forever be associated with the Dallas Mavericks, and it was fantastic to see the team and their fans honor him on Jan. 29.