Jimmy Butler delivered a season-high 33 points, including a clutch dunk to force overtime, as the Miami Heat edged the Dallas Mavericks 123-118 in a dramatic finish.
Butler’s all-around brilliance helped Miami secure its second straight win and snap Dallas’ four-game winning streak in a game defined by momentum swings and big-time performances.
Bam Adebayo contributed 19 points and 11 rebounds, continuing his consistent dominance in the paint. Tyler Herro added a double-double of his own with 18 points and 10 rebounds, while Alec Burks (15 points) and Pelle Larsson (14 points) provided key scoring support off the bench.
The Mavericks, playing without Luka Doncic due to a sprained right wrist, leaned heavily on Kyrie Irving, who poured in 27 points. Irving caught fire in the fourth quarter, scoring 14 points in a late push that nearly sealed the win for Dallas. P.J. Washington chipped in 21 points, Naji Marshall added 20, and Klay Thompson and Dereck Lively II rounded out Dallas’ balanced effort with 15 and 14 points, respectively. Lively also collected 13 rebounds, showcasing his versatility on both ends of the floor.
The Heat entered the night shorthanded as well, with Terry Rozier scratched from the lineup due to recurring right foot discomfort. Despite the setback, Miami’s resilience and Butler’s heroics carried them through an intense and physical contest.
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In a pivotal sequence late in regulation, Butler tied the game at 110 with a thunderous dunk with 4.4 seconds remaining. Miami argued Butler was fouled by Lively on the play, but no whistle came. On the ensuing possession, Spencer Dinwiddie’s desperation three-point attempt rimmed out, sending the game to overtime. Dinwiddie struggled from deep all night, going 0-for-9 from beyond the arc.
The game featured only two lead changes in the first 43 minutes, but the action heated up down the stretch, with six more lead swaps in the closing moments and overtime. Butler scored six of Miami’s 13 points in the extra period, and the Heat made crucial stops to outlast Dallas.
Dallas has found itself in close games all season, with 11 of their 17 contests decided by eight points or fewer. The Mavericks hold a 4-7 record in those tight matchups, compared to a 5-1 mark in games with larger margins. Despite their ability to stay competitive, closing out games remains an area for improvement.
Butler’s performance marked his second consecutive 30-point outing, a reminder of his ability to rise to the occasion when it matters most. Since joining the Heat, Butler has now recorded nine multi-game streaks of at least 30 points, including playoffs, underscoring his role as Miami’s go-to star in crunch time.
The Heat also showed their depth, with five players scoring in double figures. Miami’s bench outscored Dallas’ reserves, highlighting the team’s ability to find contributions across the roster even when missing key players like Rozier.
With this win, the Heat improved their ability to perform under pressure and gain momentum heading into an NBA Cup clash against Milwaukee on Tuesday night. For the Mavericks, the loss highlighted their dependence on Doncic’s playmaking, though Irving’s leadership provided a glimpse of the team’s potential in his absence.
Next, Dallas wraps up its three-game road trip on Monday night in Atlanta, looking to bounce back against the Hawks. Miami, meanwhile, will aim to keep its winning streak alive as they host a tough Bucks squad in a high-stakes NBA Cup game.
Sunday night’s battle showcased the best of both teams: the Heat’s gritty resolve and the Mavericks’ ability to stay competitive even without their cornerstone star. In the end, though, it was Butler’s star power and Miami’s defensive execution that made the difference.
