The Dallas Mavericks look for their first three-game winning streak of the season on Wednesday night when they host the Miami Heat.
Dallas lost 15 of its first 20 games before posting back-to-back wins over the Los Angeles Clippers and Denver Nuggets to finish a 2-2 road trip.
The Mavericks beat the Clippers 114-110 on Saturday behind rookie Cooper Flagg’s game-high 35 points. Dallas followed up two nights later with a 131-121 victory over the Nuggets, with Anthony Davis recording a game-high 32 points and tying his season high of 13 rebounds.
Flagg said the Mavericks aren’t going to be too stunned by two straight wins.
“We didn’t get too low after some of those losses, and we didn’t get too low after a few wins,” Flagg said. “Stay consistent and continue to build on what we had the last two games.
“If we can stay consistent with our approach and the way we carry ourselves every day, I think we’ll be fine.”
Flagg, the top pick in the 2025 draft, was named Western Conference Rookie of the Month for October/November. He averages 17.0 points, 6.6 rebounds and 3.4 assists.
Flagg, who turns 19 on Dec. 21, has impressed Davis during his short time as a teammate.
“He’s going to continue to be aggressive,” Davis said. “Whether he’s going downhill, getting to his mid-range and getting to the basket, he’s unstoppable.
“We told him to play to his strengths and when a three comes along, shoot it. He still has a long way to go and that’s scary.”
The Mavericks also received a stellar effort from undrafted rookie free agent Ryan Nembhard against the Nuggets. The point guard collected 28 points on 12 of 14 shooting, including 4 of 5 from 3-point range, and recorded 10 assists without a single turnover.
“It’s a blessing to be with this group of guys, a great group we have here,” Nembhard said. “I do my job every day and I stay consistent with that, and when you do that, good things will happen.”
Miami has won seven of its last eight games, and one of the victories came against the Mavericks on November 24.
Tyler Herro made his season debut and scored 24 points on 12-of-18 shooting to power this 106-102 home win over Dallas.
Herro played in four games and scored over 20 points in each.
The Heat had a lot of standout players in Monday’s 140-123 home win over the Clippers. Miami tied a franchise record with 24 3-pointers.
Norman Powell made six 3-pointers while scoring 30 points, Bam Adebayo made five with 27 points and 14 rebounds, Herro made four while scoring 22 points, Andrew Wiggins made two while recording 22 points, nine rebounds and three blocks and Davion Mitchell was 4-for-4 from behind the arc while contributing 16 points and 12 assists.
“When everyone scores, it clears the way for everyone,” Wiggins said. “Everyone is in a good rhythm, the ball is moving and everyone has space to do what they want.”
Mitchell is averaging a career-high 7.8 assists while scoring 10 points per game and revving up Miami’s offense.
“When Davion gets the ball and goes back up the court, it can literally be three dribbles,” Adebayo said. “It puts defenses on their heels, because he can go downhill. He’ll make a quick layup and people have to respect that. Then when defenses collapse, it makes it easier. Stop on two feet and hit the open person.”
Powell (ankle) is listed as questionable for the game. Mavericks’ Daniel Gafford and PJ Washington are both questionable due to ankle injuries.
–Field level media
