Luka Doncic and the Mavericks are hitting big on the Heat

The start of the game was fairly balanced, but Dallas, with better outside skills, took a slight lead (14-8). Reggie Bullock, who was capable early in the game, chained two consecutive 3-pointers to give the Mavericks a lead.

Dallas is shooting 6-of-12 from behind the arc this first quarter. A cheeky appeal, backed up by Luka Doncic’s 3-pointer to end that first drive in style (31-19).

The Mavericks start the second quarter the same way they ended the first, with a very good outside address, well distributed. All players participate in a well-functioning team.

Bam Adebayo and Jimmy Butler currently do not have subscribers, the Heat then relies on Victor Oladipo to stay around (47-37). But Luka Doncic is great and scored 17 points with 4 minutes before halftime to give his Slovenian team a 15-point lead (56-41). Miraculously, Miami returns to the locker room with only 9 points (60-51).

Coming back from the locker room, Caleb Martin’s 3-pointer brings Miami back to within six points (60-54). But Dallas would take a 15-point lead (72-57) to erase that potential Heat comeback. Miami can’t answer and sees the lead increase to over 20 points (83-61). Dallas leads by 25 points at the end of the 3rd quarter (92-67).

Q4 will be nothing but “garbage time”. Dallas wins 115-90 and returns to winning ways after three straight losses.

WHAT TO REMEMBER

– Mavericks’ 3-point address. Dallas was able to rely on 18/38 effective 3-pointers for 47.4% success! They came out early, which allowed them to get a very early lead over the Heat and maintain a high offensive tempo throughout the game. The Heat players opted to double-team Luka Doncic on almost every possession, leaving other Mavericks players open. They were punished.

– Disappointing Heat leaders. Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo and Kyle Lowry won their match. They didn’t play their best, and it reflected in Miami’s collective performance and a starved offense that should make Jason Kidd happy.

TOPS/FLOPS

✅ Luka Doncic. He had a great game, he was very skilled. Above all, he was the Mavericks’ boss, leading the offense as usual. He was able to demonstrate his qualities as a leader with game intelligence and vision: 34 points on 12/24 shooting, including 5/8 from 3-point range, as well as 12 rebounds and 7 assists.

✅ Reggie Bullock. He was hot from the start, sanctioning the Heat every time Luka Doncic was picked off by Miami’s defense: 15 points, 5-of-6, 3-pointer.

✅ Victor Oladipo. He was the Heat’s only satisfaction: 20 points on 9/12 shooting, including 2/3 on 3-pointers.

⛔️ Heat owners. They were unrecognizable both in attack and defense. There is no aggression and envy.

NEXT

Mavericks (25-22): Taking on the Clippers on Sunday (8:30 p.m.).

Heat (25-22): reception of the Pelicans on Sunday (9:30 p.m.).