Heat Holds Off Mavericks

     The Miami Heat breezed by the Dallas Mavericks 129-122 on Saturday night at Miami-Dade Arena. The Heat will play three straight road games and then conclude the 2022-23 regular season at home on April 9 against the Orlando Magic.

     Miami(41-37) jumped up to a 44-31 advantage at the end of the first quarter. The Heat remained in front 76-64 by halftime. Dallas(37-41) tried to make a dent in the lead and were down 102-96 after three quarters. Miami had an 18-7 spurt to begin the final quarter. 

     Jimmy Butler led the Heat with a club-high 35 points and 12 assists for a double-double. Cody Zeller dropped in 20 points and Tyler Herro poured in 15 points. Kevin Love and Max Strus scored 18 points each. 

     Luka Doncic had a game-high 42 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists for the Mavericks. Tim Hardaway Jr. compiled 31 points while Kyrie Irving got 23 points along with eight assists.