Takeaways, Player Grades in Dallas Mavericks Loss to Heat

The Dallas Mavericks went to Miami trying to extend their winning streak, but left with another loss on the season.

Heading to Miami on the first night of a back-to-back, Dallas looked to extend their three game winning streak before coming back home on Friday night.

Dallas played their last game on Tuesday night in Chicago where they won a nail biter with the Bulls after a clutch three pointer by Wesley Matthews and a late stop on the defensive end.

For the Heat, they are coming off arguably their biggest win of the season after beating the Houston Rockets on Tuesday night by six. Sitting with a 12-30 record, Miami has one of the worst records in the Eastern Conference.

*Dallas was without Andrew Bogut once again due to a hamstring injury and will be without him on Friday night against the Jazz also.

The Game

Starting from the tip of the game, the battle between Hassan Whiteside and Dirk Nowitzki at center was front and center. Whiteside had the upper hand in the paint, but also had to guard Nowitzki on the perimeter. Miami found a groove early and took a 29-21 lead into the second quarter.

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The second quarter was where Dallas threw their punch. Not only did they take control of the game, but they scored a total of 31 points in the quarter. Behind Nowitzki, Matthews, and Barnes being in double figures, Dallas took a 53-44 lead into half time.

*We also saw four first half minutes from Justin Anderson as he finally got some playing time.

Much like a boxing match, the third quarter was Miami’s turn to throw their punch. After starting the quarter down by double digits, Miami went on an 11-0 run that was capped off by a Luke Babbitt three that gave Miami the lead. But Dallas fought back at the end of the quarter behind J.J. Barea and held a three-point lead going into the third quarter.

Miami opened the fourth quarter with a 12-2 run that gave them a seven point lead with nine minutes to go. After a back-and-forth affair and a late push by Dallas, Miami held the lead and won the game.

Next: 3 Takeaways