Flagg's 29 points lead Mavs past Heat in tight contest

A Star-Studded Duel

Cooper Flagg delivered a masterclass in two-way play, scoring 29 points and providing 11 assists to guide the Dallas Mavericks to a 113-109 victory over the Miami Heat. The win improves Dallas’s record to 2-2, while Miami drops to 0-4 on the young season. The contest took place at Kaseya Center in Miami, FL, before a crowd of 19,611 fans on Monday, October 26, 2026.

First Half: Miami’s Early Surge

The Heat opened with offensive efficiency, taking a 27-23 lead after the first quarter. Miami extended their advantage in the second period, leveraging strong three-point shooting from Bobby Portis and consistent scoring from Giannis Antetokounmpo. By halftime, the Heat held a commanding 52-50 lead, thanks in part to Flagg’s efforts to keep Dallas within striking distance.

Flagg hit a crucial 26-foot three-pointer late in the half to tie the game at 50 before Miami regained the lead. Antetokounmpo also contributed heavily for Miami, finishing with 29 points, 14 rebounds, and 11 assists.

Third Quarter: Miami Extends Lead

Dallas struggled to maintain offensive rhythm in the third quarter as Miami’s defense tightened. The Heat pulled away, building a significant lead. Key plays included three-pointers from Klay Thompson and Davion Mitchell, alongside consistent interior scoring from Antetokounmpo.

Dallas managed to close the gap partially through timely shooting from P.J. Washington and Kyrie Irving, but Miami maintained control heading into the final period. The Mavericks trailed by a double-digit margin at one point, forcing them to mount a comeback in the fourth quarter.

Fourth Quarter: Dallas Rallies Late

The Mavericks erupted in the fourth quarter, outscoring Miami 30-25 in the final period. Flagg was instrumental, hitting several critical shots including a 24-foot three-pointer that tied the game late. Walter Clayton Jr. also stepped up with timely scoring, including a driving layup and free throws.

Kyrie Irving provided support with key buckets, including a 24-foot three-pointer. Despite a late push by Miami, including a tip shot by Bam Adebayo to tie the game at 108-108, Dallas sealed the win with clutch plays from Flagg and Washington. The final score of 113-109 reflects a hard-fought battle where Dallas’s balanced attack ultimately prevailed.

Sources

ESPN