Jimmy Butler delivered a season-high 33 points, including a crucial dunk to force overtime, as the Miami Heat edged the Dallas Mavericks 123-118 on Sunday night. Butler’s heroics were backed by Bam Adebayo’s 19-point, 10-rebound double-double and solid contributions from Tyler Herro, Alec Burks, and Pelle Larsson. The win marked Butler’s second consecutive 30-point performance, showcasing his leadership in the clutch.
The Mavericks, playing without Luka Doncic, leaned on Kyrie Irving, who scored 14 of his 27 points in a thrilling fourth quarter. P.J. Washington added 21 points, while Naji Marshall and Klay Thompson combined for 35. Dereck Lively II was impactful with 14 points and 13 rebounds, though Dallas’s reliance on Irving in crunch time fell short. Spencer Dinwiddie’s off-night from deep (0-for-9) loomed large, including a missed game-winning attempt in regulation.
The game featured wild momentum swings, with just three lead changes in regulation but six in overtime. Butler’s late-game dunk tied it at 108, though Miami unsuccessfully argued for a foul on the play. In overtime, the Heat executed key plays while Dallas faltered, snapping the Mavericks’ four-game winning streak and underscoring Miami’s resilience despite missing Terry Rozier.
Jimmy Butler: A
Stats: 33 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal, 2 blocks, 1 foul, 3 turnovers, 11-17 FG, 0-0 3PT FG, 11-16 FT, 38 mins
Jimmy Butler delivered in every critical moment, showcasing his ability to take over games when it matters most. His emphatic dunk to force overtime highlighted his resilience, and his leadership on both ends of the floor carried Miami to the win. Butler’s 11 free throws underscored his aggressive mindset in driving to the basket and drawing contact.
Bam Adebayo: B+
Stats: 19 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 2 fouls, 2 turnovers, 8-20 FG, 3-6 3PT FG, 0-0 FT, 38 mins
Bam Adebayo was a steady presence, contributing a double-double and playing solid defense in the paint. Despite his offensive inefficiency, his willingness to step outside and hit threes added versatility to Miami’s offense. His physicality on the boards helped Miami control second-chance opportunities.
Tyler Herro: B+
Stats: 18 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal, 0 blocks, 1 foul, 1 turnover, 8-25 FG, 1-10 3PT FG, 1-2 FT, 43 mins
Tyler Herro’s shooting woes from deep were glaring, but he made up for it with his rebounding and secondary playmaking. His ability to step up in minutes without Rozier showed his adaptability as a key contributor. Herro’s constant movement off the ball kept Dallas’s defense on edge despite his low shooting efficiency.
Alec Burks: B
Stats: 15 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, 1 foul, 0 turnovers, 5-9 FG, 4-8 3PT FG, 1-2 FT, 31 mins
Alec Burks provided a reliable scoring punch off the bench, with timely three-pointers that kept the Heat in the game. His efficiency and calm decision-making under pressure were vital. Burks’ knack for finding open space on the perimeter created valuable floor-spacing for Miami’s offense.
Pelle Larsson: B
Stats: 14 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 0 blocks, 5 fouls, 0 turnovers, 6-8 FG, 1-2 3PT FG, 1-2 FT, 37 mins
Larsson made the most of his minutes, offering efficient scoring and hustle plays on both ends of the court. His ability to finish through contact in the paint provided an important spark. Larsson’s defensive energy set the tone, especially in high-leverage possessions late in the game.
Kevin Love: B
Stats: 9 points, 11 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 1 block, 2 fouls, 2 turnovers, 3-10 FG, 3-7 3PT FG, 0-2 FT, 19 mins
Kevin Love showcased his veteran savvy with strong rebounding and critical three-pointers. His presence on the glass was crucial in neutralizing Dallas’s second-chance opportunities. Love’s floor-spacing ability opened up driving lanes for Butler and Herro throughout the night.
Duncan Robinson: C
Stats: 8 points, 0 rebounds, 1 assist, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 5 fouls, 1 turnover, 3-7 FG, 2-4 3PT FG, 0-0 FT, 18 mins
Robinson contributed offensively with a pair of timely threes, but his defensive lapses limited his impact. His fouling issues made it difficult for him to stay on the court during key stretches. Despite his struggles, Robinson’s shooting threat created more opportunities for Miami’s offense to operate effectively.
Jaime Jaquez Jr.: C
Stats: 7 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 1 foul, 0 turnovers, 2-7 FG, 0-1 3PT FG, 3-3 FT, 19 mins
Jaime Jaquez Jr. provided energy and toughness off the bench, though his shooting left much to be desired. His ability to get to the free-throw line was a bright spot in an otherwise quiet performance. Jaquez’s hustle plays were a key factor in keeping Miami’s defense active against Dallas’s offense.
Haywood Highsmith: C
Stats: 0 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 2 blocks, 4 fouls, 0 turnovers, 0-2 FG, 0-2 3PT FG, 0-0 FT, 19 mins
Highsmith’s defensive effort was commendable, as he contributed with key blocks and deflections. However, his inability to score left a gap in Miami’s offense during his minutes. Highsmith’s vision in finding open teammates added value to his otherwise limited offensive game.
Nikola Jovic: N/A
Stats: 0 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 0 fouls, 0 turnovers, 0-2 FG, 0-1 3PT FG, 0-0 FT, 6 mins
Nikola Jovic had limited time on the floor but managed to showcase his court awareness with a crisp assist. His lack of involvement offensively reflected the game’s high-stakes moments, where Miami leaned on its veterans. Jovic’s developmental minutes are still valuable as he adjusts to NBA competition.
Thank you for being a valued reader of Fadeaway World. If you liked this article, please consider following us on Google News. We appreciate your support.
