Flagg’s 29 Points Lift Mavericks Past Heat in Thriller

A Battle of Titans

Cooper Flagg delivered a masterclass in two-way play, scoring 29 points and dishing out 11 assists to lead the visiting Dallas Mavericks to a 113-109 victory over the Miami Heat. The win improves Dallas’s record to 2-2, while the Heat fall to 0-4 on the season.

The game took place at Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida, before a crowd of 19,611 spectators on Monday, October 26, 2026.

First Half Dynamics

The opening quarter saw rapid back-and-forth scoring, with neither team able to establish a significant lead. Miami’s Giannis Antetokounmpo was highly active, finishing the night with 29 points, 14 rebounds, and 11 assists. He tied Flagg in both scoring and playmaking, anchoring the Heat’s offense.

Dallas trailed early but began to chip away at the deficit. By halftime, the teams were deadlocked at 50-50 after a flurry of three-pointers and efficient driving attacks. The Mavericks relied heavily on Flagg’s versatility, who also contributed rebounds and assists throughout the first half. P.J. Washington provided crucial spacing for Dallas, hitting several key shots from beyond the arc.

Third Quarter Surge

The third quarter proved to be the turning point of the contest. Miami took control early in the period, building a lead that reached 12 points at one stage. However, Dallas refused to fold. Flagg continued to orchestrate the offense, finding open teammates and attacking the rim effectively. Washington added scoring punch from deep, helping the Mavericks claw back into the game.

Dallas closed the third quarter with a decisive run, erasing the deficit and taking a narrow lead into the final period. The Mavericks’ defense tightened, forcing Miami into difficult shots and limiting their ability to extend the gap further.

Fourth Quarter Finish

The fourth quarter was a tense affair, with both teams trading baskets in a tightly contested finish. Flagg hit a critical three-pointer late in the game to give Dallas a two-point advantage. The Mavericks held on despite a late surge from Miami, including a running dunk by Bam Adebayo that tied the score at 108-108.

Dallas’s ability to execute down the stretch was key. Flagg scored several vital points in the final minutes, including a driving layup that sealed the win. Washington’s rebounding (nine total) helped secure second-chance opportunities for Dallas. The Mavericks’ defense ultimately prevailed, forcing Miami to settle for low-percentage shots in the closing moments.

Final Thoughts

The victory marks a significant milestone for Dallas, who now sit at .500 after starting the season 0-2. For Miami, the loss extends their winless streak to four games. Flagg’s performance highlighted his potential as a franchise cornerstone, while Antetokounmpo’s all-around game was not enough to secure a win for the home team.

Sources

ESPN