Miami let a 12-point lead slip and fell 113-109 to Dallas, its fourth loss in four games. Cooper Flagg took over late, and the Heat travel to Atlanta as the conference's 15th seed.
Lead Gone, Again
The Heat led by 12 on Monday and still lost. Dallas closed the second quarter on a 10-0 run, then took the fourth 30-25. Flagg scored 12 of his 29 in the final period and added 11 assists, five steals and three blocks. Down two with under a minute left, Miami got a stop and an offensive rebound, then Flagg blocked Andrew Wiggins' running three. Flagg's driving layup with 10 seconds left settled it. Zaccharie Risacher then blocked Davion Mitchell at the rim. Walter Clayton Jr. did the damage off the Dallas bench: 15 on 6-of-7 shooting, plus-22 in 17 minutes.
Split Verdict
Giannis Antetokounmpo posted 29 points, 14 rebounds and 11 assists. It was a real night, undercut by 3-of-7 free throws and five turnovers. Mitchell added 21 on 9-of-15. Bam Adebayo went 3-of-10 for 8, missed all five of his threes, and was on the bench for the final possession, with Klay Thompson on the floor. All U Can Heat called it another disaster-class showing from him. Bobby Portis Jr. grabbed 12 boards and finished plus-8.
Road Ahead
Miami plays at Atlanta on Wednesday, Oct. 28, then hosts Indiana on Friday in an Emirates NBA Cup game. A western swing follows: Lakers Nov. 2, Clippers Nov. 4, Warriors Nov. 5. At 0-4, Miami is 1.5 games behind 10th-place Orlando and 2.5 behind sixth-place Cleveland.
The Frontcourt Question
Adebayo played in the closing five-minute group but was not on the floor at the finish. If the $49.8M center can't close games next to Antetokounmpo, Spoelstra has to settle that before the trip West. The Miami Herald reported Dwyane Wade's advice for the pair: "There's a conversation that has to happen."
Bottom Line
Two blowouts, then two games there for the taking. Losing close games is still losing. This group has to learn to finish, and Atlanta is the next chance.
When do the Heat play next?
Wednesday, Oct. 28 at Atlanta, then Friday, Oct. 30 at home against Indiana in an Emirates NBA Cup game.
Did Giannis Antetokounmpo have a triple-double against the Mavericks?
Yes. He finished with 29 points, 14 rebounds and 11 assists, but Miami still lost 113-109.
