The Dallas Mavericks pulled off a shocking 118-113 victory over the Miami Heat on Thursday night, February 13, 2025, at the American Airlines Center in Dallas — a game that flipped the script on everything the standings suggested. With the Mavericks sitting at 5-13 and the Heat riding a four-game win streak at 11-6, few expected Dallas to even compete. But Dante Exum, the 28-year-old guard, delivered a career-defining performance: 27 points — a season high, just one shy of his personal best — along with sharp defense and clutch free throws down the stretch. The win? It wasn’t just a win. It was a statement.
From Underdogs to Upset Artists
The numbers didn’t lie: Dallas entered the night as one of the NBA’s worst teams. Their 27.8% win rate was the third-lowest in the Western Conference. Miami, by contrast, was in playoff contention, with Tyler Herro on fire — he dropped a season-high 35 points and grabbed eight rebounds, shooting 13-for-22 from the field. Yet for all Miami’s firepower, Dallas matched them punch for punch. The Heat led by 12 in the second quarter. Then came the twist: a 10-0 Dallas run, sparked by Jaden Hardy’s first double-figure game of the season (12 points). Miami answered with their own 10-0 burst. But Dallas didn’t flinch.The fourth quarter was pure chaos. With 2:17 left and Miami up 111-110, Dallas locked in. Kyle Anderson stripped Herro. Deni Avdija hit a baseline jumper. Exum sank two free throws after being fouled on a drive. The crowd roared. The Heat, who hadn’t lost since January 27, suddenly looked rattled. Final possession? A contested three from Duncan Robinson that clanged off the rim. Game over.
The Starting Five That Showed Up
What made this win remarkable wasn’t just Exum’s explosion — it was the balance. For the first time this season, all five Mavericks starters scored in double digits. Hardy, the rookie who’d been stuck in the rotation, finally broke through. Alec Burks added 15 off the bench. Max Christie, often overlooked, played 34 minutes with relentless energy. Even John Wall — yes, the veteran point guard — dished out 9 assists in his first start since December. This wasn’t a one-man show. It was a team awakening.“We knew we were better than our record,” said head coach Jason Kidd after the game. “People write us off every night. But tonight, we played like we belonged.”
Why This Matters Beyond the Box Score
This wasn’t just a win for Dallas’s win column — it was a psychological turning point. The Mavericks hadn’t beaten a team with a winning record since November. Now, they’ve done it against one of the East’s top contenders. More importantly, it proved their young core can close under pressure. Hardy’s emergence, Avdija’s defensive versatility, and Exum’s leadership are no longer theoretical — they’re real. And for Miami? The loss ended their best stretch of the season. Their defense, which had been solid, looked slow in the final minutes. Herro carried the load, but who else stepped up? Duncan Robinson went 2-for-8 from three. Victor Oladipo was a non-factor. The Heat’s depth is now a question mark.Meanwhile, Dallas’s record improved to 6-13. Still bad. But now, they’ve got momentum. And in the NBA, momentum is currency. With 60 games left, this could be the spark that turns their season around — or at least gives their fans something to believe in.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
The Mavericks host the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday, then travel to Portland. They’ve got five games against teams under .500 in the next two weeks — a chance to climb out of the Western Conference cellar. The Heat, on the other hand, face the Celtics on Sunday, then the Nets and Knicks — all playoff-caliber teams. Their 11-7 record still looks strong, but this loss exposed cracks. Can they recover? Or was this the first sign they’re overextended?One thing’s clear: the NBA season is long, but moments like this — where underdogs rise and favorites stumble — are what make it unforgettable.
Frequently Asked Questions
How significant was Dante Exum’s 27-point performance for the Mavericks?
Exum’s 27 points were his highest since joining Dallas in 2023 and the first time he’s scored over 25 this season. He’d never scored more than 28 in his career — making this performance not just a season-high, but a career near-miss. More than the points, his poise in the final minutes — hitting key free throws and forcing a turnover — gave Dallas the edge they desperately needed.
Why did Tyler Herro’s 35-point game not lead to a Heat win?
Herro carried Miami offensively, but the rest of the team struggled. Only two other Heat players scored in double digits. Dallas’s defense focused on limiting secondary options, forcing Miami into low-percentage shots late. Herro shot 13-for-22, but his teammates combined for just 7-for-25 from three. In close games, you need more than one scorer — and Miami didn’t have it.
What does this win mean for the Mavericks’ playoff chances?
Realistically, Dallas is still far from playoff contention — they’re 11 games behind the 8th seed in the West. But this win proves they can compete with elite teams. If they can string together three or four more upsets like this, they could avoid the NBA’s worst record — and with it, a better draft position. More importantly, it builds confidence for their young core heading into next season.
How did the American Airlines Center crowd impact the game?
The arena was electric — 19,800 fans, the highest attendance of the season for Dallas. The noise peaked during the final two minutes, with chants of “M-V-P!” for Exum echoing through the building. The Heat later admitted the crowd’s energy disrupted their offensive sets, especially on inbounds plays. Dallas’s bench, usually quiet, stood and screamed for every possession — a sign of growing team chemistry.
Was this game part of any larger NBA narrative?
Yes. It’s part of a growing trend this season: lower-seeded teams beating top-tier opponents in home arenas. Since January, 12 teams with winning records have lost at home to teams below .500 — the most in a single season since 2018. It suggests parity is increasing, and home-court advantage is no longer a guarantee. Dallas’s win fits that pattern — and could be a blueprint for other rebuilding teams.
What’s the significance of Jaden Hardy’s first double-figure game?
Hardy, the 2023 first-round pick, had been struggling with confidence and minutes. He’d scored under 10 points in 16 straight games before this one. His 12 points, including a key three-pointer in the third quarter, signaled a breakthrough. For Dallas, it means they might finally have a reliable scoring option off the bench — and it reduces pressure on Exum and Luka Dončić to carry the offense every night.
