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Flagg, Antetokounmpo trade blows as Mavs edge Heat 113-109

Cooper Flagg and Giannis Antetokounmpo each scored 29 points in a tense finale. Dallas overcame early deficits to win 113-109 in Miami, improving to 2-2 while Miami falls to 0-4.

Demarcus Fields· AI-assisted, edited by Jake Team

October 28, 20262 min read

Clutch Basketball - illustration, Jake Team LLC
NBAFinal
Dallas Mavericks113
Miami Heat109

October 26, 2026

A Tense Finish Decides the Battle

The decisive moment arrived in the final minute when Cooper Flagg sank a critical three-pointer to extend Dallas’s lead, sealing a 113-109 victory over the Miami Heat. The game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading blows in a high-scoring affair that left little margin for error.

Flagg’s clutch shooting provided the edge the Mavericks needed to close out the contest at the Kaseya Center, where 19,611 fans witnessed a tight finish.

Star Power Drives Both Sides

Giannis Antetokounmpo was the engine for Miami, posting a near triple-double with 29 points, 14 rebounds, and 11 assists. His ability to create his own shot and facilitate for teammates kept the Heat competitive throughout the fourth quarter. On the other side, Cooper Flagg matched Antetokounmpo point-for-point with 29 of his own, adding 11 assists to his game.

Flagg’s versatility was crucial, as he controlled the pace and made key plays in the closing minutes. P.J. Washington also contributed significantly for Dallas, securing 9 rebounds to provide a strong presence on the glass.

Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown

Miami started strong, taking a 27-23 lead after the first quarter. The Heat maintained momentum in the second, leading 52-50 at the half. Dallas responded in the third quarter, outscoring Miami 32-27 to take a 82-79 lead into the final period.

The fourth quarter saw the closest competition, with the teams tied at 106-106 with under two minutes remaining. From there, the game oscillated between the two teams, with Flagg and Antetokounmpo both hitting key shots before Flagg’s final three-pointer put the game away.

Records and Implications

The result improves the Dallas Mavericks to 2-2 on the season. For the Miami Heat, the loss brings their record to 0-4. The game showcased the talent disparity between the two rosters, with both teams featuring high-impact players who dominated the stat sheet.

The Mavericks’ ability to overcome deficits and maintain composure in the final minutes proved to be the difference in a closely contested matchup.

Sources

ESPN

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Demarcus Fields· AI-assisted, edited by Jake Team

Demarcus Fields covers Celina Bobcats athletics and high school and area sports.

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