Miami Heat Drop Dallas Game After, Somewhat, Containing Luka Doncic

The Miami Heat came into their Tuesday night game against the Dallas Mavericks riding on the back of a five-game win streak. And for the entire first half of the contest, it looked as though their winning streak would continue.

With Dallas Mavericks star, Luka Doncic, going nuts in his last two contests, both against the Los Angeles Clippers, he would score 51 and 45 points, respectively, in the two games. He would go for a total stat line of 96 points, 24 rebounds, and 14 assists across those two.

Not that you didn’t already know he was a great player, but that’s special. Speaking of special though, the Miami Heat were special in the first half as they held him in check.

They would only allow him 10 points, four rebounds, and an assist—mere mortal’s statistics for what Doncic could be capable of.

The Miami Heat came into Tuesday’s game with a plan of action. It appeared to be working, but then, the third period came and so went the game.

However, for as well as they would do on Luka Doncic throughout the game, they wouldn’t be able to convert anything themselves in the third quarter.

While dominating across their last several games in the third period, the Miami Heat reverted back to an infamous trait of theirs n this one. It was a turd quarter showing.

On top of their inability to hit shots, the Dallas Mavericks would feed off of the open looks created by the defense that was being funneled towards Luka Doncic. This was all in a game where the Miami Heat told Jason Kidd and the Dallas Mavericks that Luka Doncic would not be the reason they beat them.

That’s just what happened though, as everybody else stepped up to answer the call. If you want to take a positive note from the game, then it is the fact that they were able to hold Luka in check, somewhat, for as long as they did.

You can also take away Bam Adebayo‘s continuing aggressive ways, as he looked for his offense early and often on Tuesday. This was a tough one to lose, but they can get over it soon with another win.

With another trip to Charlotte coming up, they’ll try and close the first half of the season out right as they head into the All-Star break.