Dante Exum delivered a season-high 27 points, falling just one point short of his career best, to lead the Dallas Mavericks to a 118-113 victory over the Miami Heat on Thursday night. The win capped a back-to-back sweep at home and marked Dallas fourth win in five games, despite a severely depleted roster.
Max Christie contributed 19 points, Spencer Dinwiddie added 17, and Kessler Edwards recorded season highs with 15 points and nine rebounds. Edwards, on a two-way contract, played a career-high 40 minutes, showcasing his versatility and endurance.
The Mavericks had eight players listed on the injury report, including stars Kyrie Irving (shoulder strain) and Klay Thompson (sprained foot), who were sidelined after logging heavy minutes the previous night. As a result, Dallas tallest regulars were Edwards and Olivier-Maxence Prosper, both standing at 6-foot-8, leaving the team undersized but undeterred.
Miami’s Tyler Herro scored an impressive 40 points, but his effort wasn’t enough to halt the Heat’s four-game losing streak. Herro started slowly, scoring only two points in the first quarter on 1-of-7 shooting but caught fire later. However, he struggled from beyond the arc, finishing just 3-of-14 on three-point attempts.
Rookie Kel’el Ware contributed 17 points, and Kyle Anderson posted a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds. The Heat were also shorthanded, playing without starting forwards Bam Adebayo (knee contusion) and Andrew Wiggins (illness).
With the Heat trailing 116-113 and 28 seconds remaining, Herro attempted a tying three-pointer from the right corner but came up short. Max Christie secured the rebound, sealing the win for Dallas.
Despite Miami’s size advantage, led by the 7-foot Ware and 6-foot-10 Nikola Jovic, the Mavericks held their ground in the paint, tying the Heat 25-25 on points in the paint.
This game marked the first time Exum led Dallas in scoring over his 62 regular-season appearances with the team. The Mavericks depth and resilience were on full display, with contributions from up and down the roster, despite being shorthanded and undersized.
Miami struggled on the road, getting swept in a back-to-back and dropping their fourth consecutive game. Herro carried the offensive load but lacked sufficient support, particularly with Adebayo and Wiggins sidelined.
Both teams will return to action on February 21. The Heat will continue their road trip in Toronto, the first of three away games. Meanwhile, the Mavericks will host the New Orleans Pelicans, marking their fifth consecutive home game.
This victory lifts the Mavericks to a 30-26 record heading into the All-Star break, while the Heat fall to 27-28, desperately seeking to end their skid.
