Flagg’s late heroics lift Mavs past Heat in thriller

Turning Point

The game’s decisive stretch arrived in the final minutes of regulation when Cooper Flagg seized control. With the score tied at 108, Flagg hit a crucial driving layup to give Dallas a two-point lead, followed by a three-pointer that pushed the advantage to five.

He finished with 29 points and 11 assists, mirroring his opponent’s stat line in a rare double featuring both teams' top performers.

Game Flow

Miami opened strong, taking a 27-23 lead after the first quarter. The Heat extended their advantage early in the second, building a 50-43 lead before Dallas rallied to tie the game at 50 at halftime. The third quarter saw Miami pull away again, leading 87-81 heading into the final period.

Dallas began the fourth quarter with a 3-point jumper from Max Christie, but Miami responded with a three from Dru Smith. The teams traded baskets until Flagg’s late heroics turned the tide. Giannis Antetokounmpo also finished with 29 points, 14 rebounds, and 11 assists for Miami.

Key Performances

Cooper Flagg led Dallas with 29 points, 11 assists, and key contributions throughout the game. P.J. Washington added nine rebounds for the Mavericks. For Miami, Giannis Antetokounmpo recorded a triple-double with 29 points, 14 rebounds, and 11 assists.

Final Score

The Dallas Mavericks defeated the Miami Heat 113-109 on Monday, October 26, 2026, at Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida. The attendance was 19,611. The Mavericks improved to 2-2, while the Heat fell to 0-4.

Sources

ESPN