Jimmy Butler delivered a season-high 33 points as the Miami Heat edged the Dallas Mavericks 123-118 in an overtime thriller on Sunday night. The Heat improved to 7-7 on the season, snapping Dallas’ four-game win streak.
Bam Adebayo recorded a double-double with 19 points and 11 rebounds, while Tyler Herro contributed 18 points and 10 boards. Miami’s bench stepped up, with Alec Burks adding 15 points and Pelle Larsson chipping in 14.
The Mavericks, playing without Luka Doncic due to a wrist injury, saw Kyrie Irving lead the way with 27 points, including 14 in the fourth quarter. P.J. Washington added 21 points and 10 rebounds, while Naji Marshall had 20 off the bench.
Butler’s game-tying dunk with 4.4 seconds left in regulation forced overtime. The Heat unsuccessfully argued for a foul on Dereck Lively II during the play. Spencer Dinwiddie’s last-second three-point attempt for Dallas rimmed out, sending the game into the extra period.
Miami dominated in overtime, outscoring Dallas 13-8. Butler’s leadership proved pivotal as the Heat capitalized on key defensive stops and timely scoring.
Despite the loss, Dallas (9-8) continues to showcase resilience, with 11 of their 17 games decided by eight points or less. The Mavericks are 4-7 in such contests this season.
The Heat’s defense, which had faltered in previous games, showed improvement by limiting Dallas to just 41.9% shooting from the field.
