Dallas Mavericks Defeat Miami Heat 113-109 as Dereck Lively Remains Sidelined

The Dallas Mavericks secured a 113-109 victory over the Miami Heat on Monday night, continuing their strong campaign even as they navigate ongoing roster challenges. Led by standout performances from rookie Cooper Flagg and veteran contributors, the Mavericks managed to hold off a resilient Miami squad that dropped to an 0-4 start for the fifth time in franchise history and the first time since the 2008-09 season.

Cooper Flagg delivered a stellar all-around performance for Dallas, recording 29 points, 11 assists, six rebounds, five steals, and three blocks. The 19-year-old scored 12 of his points in the fourth quarter and made a decisive defensive play with 31 seconds remaining, blocking a potential go-ahead three-point attempt by Andrew Wiggins to preserve a narrow two-point lead.

Supporting Flagg on the offensive end, PJ Washington contributed 20 points, Kyrie Irving added 18, and Walter Clayton Jr. chipped in 15. The back-and-forth contest saw multiple lead changes, with Miami building a 12-point advantage in the second quarter before Dallas rallied to claim a 53-52 edge at halftime. The Mavericks eventually reclaimed the lead midway through the final period, sealing the win by capitalizing on Miami's struggles at the free-throw line, where the Heat missed 11 of their 25 attempts.

While the Mavericks found success on the court, they continue to play without athletic center Dereck Lively II. Lively has been sidelined following right foot surgery that he underwent in December 2025. The injury caused him to miss the entire preseason, and he has not yet been medically cleared to return to game action.

Speaking about his recovery during training camp, Lively expressed gratitude for the patience shown by the organization. "It's been a lot of focus, a lot of days in the gym, a lot of hard days working. It's been ups and downs," Lively said in September, noting that he had been working on treadmill running, practicing jumps, and taking shots to regain his confidence.

Mavericks coach Dusty May, who faced Miami coach Erik Spoelstra for the first time in this matchup, has had to guide the team through Lively's prolonged absence. Spoelstra praised May following the game, stating, "He's a heck of a coach. There's no doubt about it."

The Mavericks currently have no official timeline for Lively's return to the lineup, leaving the team to rely on its active rotation. Following Monday's victory, Dallas prepares to return home to host the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday, while Miami looks to secure its first win of the season when visiting the Atlanta Hawks on the same night.