Tyler Herro returned from ankle surgery to score 24 points, helping the Miami Heat (12-6) edge the Dallas Mavericks 106-102 at Kaseya Center on Monday night. Kel’el Ware added 20 points and 18 rebounds, while Bam Adebayo chipped in 17 points as Miami improved to 8-1 at home.
The Mavericks, missing Anthony Davis and trailing by 13 in the fourth quarter, made a late push behind P.J. Washington’s 27 points and contributions from Max Christie (15), Klay Thompson (13) and Cooper Flagg (12). Flagg’s free throws tied the game at 102 with just over a minute remaining.
Miami regained control when Adebayo stole an inbound pass and Herro scored with 41.2 seconds left, securing the win. Despite playing nearly 20 points below their season scoring average, the Heat relied on Herro’s efficient shooting and Ware’s dominance inside.
The Heat were without Norman Powell, Andrew Wiggins, and Nikola Jovic due to injuries, while the Mavericks played without Davis for the 14th straight game due to a left calf strain. Coach Jason Kidd noted Davis is progressing and could return to practice Wednesday.
Miami shot 45% from the field and 19% from three-point range, while Dallas hit 39% from the floor and 30% from beyond the arc. Ware’s 18 rebounds anchored the Heat on the glass, giving them an edge over Dallas’ frontline.
Miami will host the Milwaukee Bucks in an NBA Cup game on Wednesday, while the Mavericks head west to face the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday.
