Dallas Mavericks dominate Heat behind Luka Doncic masterpiece and stellar defense

The Dallas Mavericks dominated the Miami Heat 115-90 on Friday night at the American Airlines Center. Luka Doncic went off for a 34-point double-double as Dallas snapped a three-game losing streak. The Mavs were still shorthanded, but it did not show on Jan. 20.

Dallas played outstanding defense on Friday night, and it was a key to victory. They had allowed 130 or more points in three straight games, and head coach Jason Kidd was critical of the team’s play on that end of the floor, but the Mavericks stepped up against the Heat. Dallas held Miami to 19 points in the opening quarter and 16 in the third to blow the game open, and the Mavs never looked back.

Fans witnessed a Luka Doncic masterpiece on Friday night. The Heat tried to double, blitz, play zone, and switch, but it did not matter. Number 77 solved every coverage as he led the Mavericks to a blowout win. Here is a closer look at their performance before taking a peek at what’s next.

Dallas Mavericks dominate Heat behind Luka Doncic masterpiece and stellar defense

Doncic was locked in from the opening tipoff, and he capped an 11-point first quarter with this buzzer-beating 3-pointer to give Dallas a 12-point edge.

Luka was aggressive and outstanding as he produced 34 points, 12 rebounds, and seven assists in 38 minutes of action. He made 12 of his 24 field goals, including five 3-pointers on Friday night at the AAC. Doncic was the catalyst of the win, but the team’s defense and shot-making were key factors as well.

Christian Wood’s thumb injury forced the Mavs to play more small ball as Dorian Finney-Smith and Josh Green looked more like themselves after long absences with injury. Dallas played outstanding defense, and the Heat had no answers. If the Mavericks play as they did on Friday night, they will be difficult to defeat in the postseason.

When the Heat doubled and tried to force the ball out of Luka’s hands, the role players stepped up. The Mavs made 18 3-pointers as they shot 47.4 percent from long range. When Dallas hits their shots, they are difficult to stop. Couple that with stout defense and the Mavericks are a feared opponent that no team wants to face.

The Dallas Mavericks continue a four-game homestand on Sunday afternoon as they host the rival LA Clippers. Luka Doncic always goes off against Kawhi Leonard and company, so fans will not want to miss this game that was moved up to a 1:30 p.m. CT tipoff. Be sure to tune in and enjoy the game.