Heat Defeat Dallas in Overtime as Butler Scores Season-High 33 Points

MIAMI — The Miami Heat secured a dramatic overtime victory against the Dallas Mavericks, winning 123-118 on Sunday night at the Kaseya Center. Jimmy Butler delivered a stellar performance, posting a season-high 33 points to lead Miami to their second consecutive win.

Butler was the driving force throughout the game, scoring key baskets and capping regulation with a powerful dunk to tie the game at 112 with just 4.4 seconds remaining. Although Miami contested that Butler was fouled on the play, no whistle came. Spencer Dinwiddie’s desperate three-point attempt for Dallas rimmed out, sending the game into overtime.

“I just play to win,” Butler said after the game. “It doesn’t matter how we get there as long as we come out on top.”

While Butler stole the spotlight, the Heat relied on contributions from across the roster. Bam Adebayo recorded a double-double with 19 points and 11 rebounds, Tyler Herro added 18 points and 10 boards, and Alec Burks chipped in with 15 points off the bench. Rookie guard Pelle Larsson turned heads with a career-high 14 points on 75% shooting, plus five rebounds and a steal, earning praise from both teammates and head coach Erik Spoelstra.

“Pelle played so hard,” Spoelstra said. “His energy, defense, and shot-making were critical tonight. He’s showing us that he belongs on the court.”

Larsson’s performance even drew comparisons from Butler, who said the rookie’s work ethic and versatility reminded him of his own early years in the league.
Dallas, playing without All-Star Luka Dončić due to a sprained wrist, leaned heavily on Kyrie Irving, who scored 27 points, including 14 in a fiery fourth-quarter rally. P.J. Washington and Naji Marshall added 21 and 20 points respectively, while rookie Dereck Lively II notched a double-double with 14 points and 13 rebounds.

Despite Irving’s late-game heroics, the Mavericks couldn’t sustain their momentum in overtime, dropping to 4-7 in games decided by eight points or fewer this season.

Miami’s depth was on full display, with five players scoring in double figures. Larsson’s +17 plus-minus was a game-high, highlighting his impact on both ends.
Dinwiddie struggled mightily from beyond the arc, going 0-for-9 from three-point range, including the potential game-winner at the end of regulation.
The Heat have now played in five overtime games this season, winning three.

The Heat will host the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday night in an NBA Cup group-stage matchup, while the Mavericks aim to bounce back as they face the Los Angeles Clippers in Dallas on Wednesday.

Check out LifeWalletSports.com to get connected with all of our NIL athletes and partnered brands