Mavs Lose to Heat, Play-In Hopes Continue Taking Major Hits

A poor first half from the Dallas Mavericks proved too much to overcome against the Miami Heat, further worsening their play-in qualification outlook.

MIAMI — Despite facing the need to achieve a victory to sustain possible viability for play-in qualification, the Dallas Mavericks continued to underwhelm, losing 129-122 to the Miami Heat on Saturday. The Mavs' record dropped to 37-41 as a result, while the Heat's improved to 41-37.

The Mavs began the game with a 20-12 lead at the 7:36 mark of the first quarter. From that point on, they were outscored by a 20-point margin for the remainder of the first half. Dallas' lack of an interior presence was on fully display, further exacerbated by a lack of containment at the point of attack.

The Heat average the fewest points per game (108.7) in the NBA this season by a whole 1.8 points. Without Bam Adebayo, the Mavs still gave up 76 points in the first half. For perspective, the Kings are the NBA's highest-scoring first-half offense, and they generate 60.6 points.

A short-range jumper from Kyrie Irving early in the third quarter did cut the Heat's lead to just seven points. The Mavs' defense failed to get a stop on consecutive possessions, then Dallas trailed by double-figures for much of the period. After string together some stops on defense, they managed to create an 8-0 run to come within six with a little over two minutes left.

Christian Wood's made 3-pointer cut the Mavericks' deficit to just five points early in the fourth quarter, but the Heat went on a run to take a 112-101 lead with 9:06 remaining in regulation. Dallas did have some stretches of positive play, but proved unable to make a serious rallying effort.

Luka Doncic finished with 42 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists. Tim Hardaway Jr. was the Mavs' second-leading scorer with 31 points on six made 3s, but added six rebounds, and seven assists. Irving totaled 23 points and eight assists. 

Jimmy Butler led the Heat with 35 points and 12 assists. Cody Zeller, who often benefited from the Mavs' porous defense, scored 20 points and hauled in eight rebounds. Kevin Love and Max Strus each pitched in 18 points, while Tyler Herro added 15 into the mix. 

Despite outscoring the Heat in the second half, the poor defensive execution before halftime simply proved too much to overcome. Now, Dallas has to try to achieve a win the following night despite Doncic logging 44 minutes and Irving not being far behind with 42.

The Mavs end their five-game road trip with a matchup against the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday. 

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