Flagg's 29 Points and Key Block Lead Mavericks Over Heat
Dallas extends Miami's season-opening losing streak to four games, with the young star delivering a decisive defensive play late in the fourth quarter.
By Rafael Esposito ·
Cooper Flagg scored 29 points and dished out 11 assists as the Dallas Mavericks defeated the Miami Heat 113-109 on Monday night. The victory snapped Miami's momentum and extended their season-opening losing streak to four games.
Flagg's performance included a critical defensive stop in the final minute. With 31 seconds remaining and Dallas holding a two-point advantage, he blocked a three-point attempt by Andrew Wiggins. That play preserved the lead, securing the win for the Mavericks.
PJ Washington contributed 20 points, while Kyrie Irving added 18 and Walter Clayton Jr. provided 15. Flagg scored 12 of his 29 points in the fourth quarter, helping Dallas reclaim the lead midway through the period and hold it until the final buzzer.
The Heat, who trailed by 12 points early in the game, struggled from the free-throw line, missing 11 of their 25 attempts. Giannis Antetokounmpo recorded his first triple-double since joining Miami, finishing with 29 points, 15 rebounds, and 11 assists. Davion Mitchell added 21 points for the visitors.
Miami is now 0-4 for the fifth time in franchise history, a mark last achieved during the 2008-09 season. The game marked the first meeting between first-year Dallas coach Dusty May and Miami head coach Erik Spoelstra.
Spoelstra praised May, who led Michigan to the 2026 NCAA championship. "He’s a heck of a coach," Spoelstra said. "There's no doubt about it."
Source: KXAS-TV
