The Miami Heat ventured to the American Airlines Center to face the Dallas Mavericks. In their last game, the Heat won in a 99 to 95 victory during their 13 game win streak on their home court. Heading into this game, the Heat look to sweep the regular season series.
After a few minutes without scoring in the early goings, Hassan Whiteside would put Miami on the board, followed by a breakaway layup from Goran Dragic and three-pointers from Dion Waiters and Rodney McGruder. Harrison Barnes and Dirk Nowitzki would put Dallas on the board with their scoring as Miami led 14 to 8. Miami would go on ten to two run, but Seth Curry ended the scoring run with a three-pointer of his own, followed by a Nerlens Noel basket for Dallas. With Miami leading 26 to 15, Dallas went on a seven to five run to end the first quarter as Miami led 31 to 22.
The Mavericks went on a 14 to 2 run to start the second quarter. James Johnson ended the scoring run with a turnaround jumper, followed by a three-pointer from Dragic. After two free throws from Nowitzki, the Mavericks rallied in the second quarter and took the lead from Miami. With Dallas leading 50 to 46, Miami went on an eight to five run to close the second quarter as Dallas led 55 to 54.
In the third quarter, Curry, Barnes, and Yogi Ferrell kicked off the third quarter with their scoring to keep Dallas in the lead. With the Mavericks leading 64 to 61, they increased their lead over Miami with a score of 73 to 63. Miami ended the third quarter with a seven to five run as Dallas led 78 to 69.
The Heat went on a 20 to 6 run to start the fourth quarter. Miami regained the lead, only Curry and Barnes to take it back for Dallas, who went on a twelve to nothing run to seal a 96 to 89 victory.
After several victories on Dallas’ home court, the Heat fall to the Mavericks. One of the factors that led to that Mavericks’ victory was that they managed to rotate their defense and slow down any chance of Miami making any baskets or ball movement. Another reason why the Mavericks won was because they were swarming for rebounds and getting second chance points.
”I haven’t played this many minutes in my career, so it was good for me to get some rest and come back with a new, fresh mindset and just try to play to win,” said Curry, whose go-ahead 3 gave Dallas a 90-89 lead.
For the Heat, Goran Dragic had 24 points, Dion Waiters with 12 points, Tyler Johnson made 10 points and Hassan Whiteside with a double-double of 19 points and 19 rebounds.
For the Mavericks, Seth Curry had 29 points and Harrison Barnes with 24 points.
The next game for the Miami Heat is when they host the Philadelphia 76ers. That game starts Wednesday at 7:30pm and will be televised locally on Sun Sports and nationally on NBA TV.
The Heat Check Magazine 