After Dallas rallies from 12 down, 3 overreactions: Cooper Flagg returns to lead Mavericks past desperate Heat

Miami strikes first, Dallas responds

Miami opened slowly on offense, but Dallas also went cold late in the first quarter. Giannis Antetokounmpo’s pull-up three helped give the Heat a 27-23 lead entering the second.

The Mavericks fell behind by 12 in the second quarter as Bobby Portis made three consecutive three-pointers. Dallas turned the half around, however, holding Miami to four points in the final 5:30 and taking a 53-52 advantage into halftime. Walter Clayton Jr. helped spark the run with a jumper, a three and a pass to Flagg for a basket.

Flagg helps close it out

Antetokounmpo drove Miami’s offense early in the third quarter, scoring or assisting on seven of the Heat’s first eight baskets in the period. Dallas again trimmed the gap, with Clayton scoring and setting up P.J. Washington before Kyrie Irving’s buzzer-beater brought the Heat’s lead down to one.

Flagg took charge during a fourth-quarter Mavericks run, making difficult shots that included a turnaround and-one jumper. After Miami cut the margin to two late, Flagg hit a three, blocked an Andrew Wiggins attempt and scored at the rim with 10 seconds left to put Dallas up four.

Frontcourt depth remains a concern

Naji Marshall missed the game because of an illness. Zaccharie Risacher struggled to score early but stayed in the game for his defense, later making a three and a free throw that tied the score at 90.