Instant Reactions: Mavericks lose another clutch game to the Heat

The Dallas Mavericks let another clutch opportunity slip away Monday, undone by a string of late-game mistakes in a 106-102 loss to the Miami Heat.

With a chance to tie the game in the final two minutes, three of Dallas’ top players committed critical turnovers.

Rookie Cooper Flagg poked the ball loose for what looked like a breakaway dunk, but he stepped out of bounds before securing the steal. Moments later, Max Christie also stepped on the sideline while trying to drive past a defender in the half court.

Flagg responded by knocking down two free throws to tie the game at 102 with under a minute remaining. But on the next possession, P.J. Washington threw a pass directly to Miami center Bam Adebayo, leading to a Tyler Herro pull-up jumper that put the Heat back in front.

Flagg came up with another steal in the final seconds, but the Mavericks couldn’t convert.

The sequence capped a frustrating night for Dallas, which fell to 4–11 in clutch games this season, which is the most clutch appearances in the NBA.

Miami entered the game ranked No. 1 in scoring (124.9) and assists (30.6) per game, fifth in 3-point percentage (38.1%) and second in points in the paint (58.0). The Mavericks held the Heat to just 106 points, 21 assists and 18.5% shooting from deep, but surrendered 64 points in the paint.