Image Source: Getty Images
2024-25 NBA Regular Season
Dallas Mavericks v Miami Heat
American Airlines Center
Dallas, Texas
Friday 14 February 2025
Tip-off at 03:30
Dallas Mavericks will be trying to control what they can when Miami Heat visit the American Airlines Center on the morning of Friday, February 14.
The Mavs hierarchy has faced backlash from fans following the shock decision to trade star guard Luka Doncic to Los Angeles Lakers this month.
Doncic hadn't featured since December 25 after he suffered a calf injury against Minnesota Timberwolves and Jason Kidd's team lost 12 of their next 19 games in his absence.
A depleted Dallas went down 129-128 in overtime to Sacramento Kings on February 11 which halted a two-game winning streak and kept them just ahead of Doug Christie's team (9th) and Golden State Warriors (10th) in the Western Conference in eighth place.
Kyrie Irving led the team in almost all departments with 30 points, nine rebounds, seven assists and three steals, while Spencer Dinwiddie added 20 points off the bench.
Image Source: Alamy Stock Photo
With all the adversity the Mavs have had to deal with this term, Irving insists they just have to take it in their stride if they want to make something of their season.
"For me, I've just erred on the side of letting guys know that this is not unusual for teams in our league. We have such pressure on us right now to win now and I think that's settling in as well," he said.
"When we started off the season we were all preaching championship, championship, championship. It's still the same echo but when you have a big change it's going to take an adjustment period and with all the injuries that's an adjustment period.
"You've just got to take it one day at a time. It's the toughest thing to do but mentally this is what separates the good from the great and you've just got to be able to deal with it in stride."
The Heat will be looking to get their playoff challenge back on track in the Eastern Conference after losing six of their last 10 games.
Erik Spoelstra's team find themselves one game behind Detroit Pistons (6th) in seventh position following back-to-back defeats against Brooklyn Nets and Boston Celtics.
Image Source: Getty Images
Miami had another off day against the Celtics, shooting less than 35 percent as they slumped to a 103-85 loss on February 11, with Bam Adebayo their standout performer after posting 22 points and 12 rebounds.
"We're going to have to work on it (offense). Spacing, decision-making - that's actually been two consistent themes over the last handful of weeks," Spoelstra said.
"We're going to continue to work on it until we get more clarity, confidence on what's working for us. There were times where it looked disjointed obviously and against a team like Boson you have to execute with intention and purpose."
Dallas Mavericks v Miami Heat - Head-to-head, Regular Season
Games played: 76
Mavs wins: 37
Heat wins: 39
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