The Dallas Mavericks entered Monday’s game against the Miami Heat with the fewest amount of road games in the NBA, playing just four through their first 18 games.
The Heat entered the first matchup against their longtime rival with one of the best home records in the league. Not ideal for the shorthanded and struggling Mavericks.
Dallas fell victim once again and suffered a 106-102 loss to the Heat in the first of a four-game road trip.
It was their 15th clutch game of the season, which leads the NBA.
Mavericks
It’s not a Mavericks game if the score isn’t close within the final five minutes. The Mavericks had their 15th clutch game of the season, which leads the NBA. After trailing by as many as 13 points, Dallas valiantly fought back in the fourth quarter and tied the game at 102 thanks to a pair of crucial free throws by Cooper Flagg.
After a timeout by Jason Kidd, the Mavericks had a chance to take the lead on the next possession with 49.7 seconds left.
However, PJ Washington committed a costly turnover while attempting an inbound pass. Heat forward Bam Adebayo intercepted the pass intended for Ryan Nembhard. The Heat took a two-point lead when Tyler Herro sank a floater to give his team a 104-102 lead with 42 seconds left.
Washington had two additional chances to recover from the pivotal error, but couldn’t make two 3-point attempts — one from the corner with 27 seconds left and a contested triple with five seconds left. It was an unfortunate ending for Washington, who led the Mavericks with 27 points and eight rebounds.
The Mavericks are now 5-14, while the Heat won its fifth straight and improved to 12-6 with a home record of 8-1.
Max Christie added 15 points and five rebounds. Daniel Gafford recorded a double-double of 11 points and 11 rebounds with two blocks. Flagg finished with just 12 points, seven rebounds and three assists. He had a chance to take a pivotal shot after coming up with a steal, but deferred to Washington for the Mavericks’ final chance to tie or take the lead.
Herro made his season debut after recovering from left ankle surgery and the Heat needed every contribution from their All-Star guard. He finished with 24 points and seven rebounds.
The Mavericks will have the luxury of three days between games before they fly to Los Angeles on Thursday for their next road back-to-back against the Lakers and Clippers.
How close is Mavericks’ Anthony Davis to a return from injury?
The 10-time All-Star’s absence has factored into Dallas’ disappointing start as it sits 13th in the Western Conference.
Luka Doncic, Cowboys fanatic: Mavericks star details how he learned to love football
Since Cowboys owner Jerry Jones invited him to their home opener his first year in Dallas, Doncic has become a legitimate fan of the franchise and the sport.
Luka Doncic is in Los Angeles now, but he’s still keeping an eye on the Dallas Cowboys
The former Maverick cheekily mentioned the Cowboys as he wrapped up his post-game press conference after a Lakers win over the Jazz.
Find more Mavericks coverage from The Dallas Morning News here.