When Tyler Herro stepped onto the court at Kaseya Center on Monday night, the arena held its breath. He hadn’t played since September. No warm-up lap. No easing into rhythm. Just 24 points, six assists, and a game-sealing steal that sent Miami fans into a roar. The Miami Heat beat the Dallas Mavericks 106-102 — a gritty, defensive battle that came down to one final possession. Herro’s return from ankle surgery after 9-10 weeks wasn’t just a moment; it was a statement.
Back from the Bench, Not the Sideline
Herro didn’t just play. He dominated. Eleven of his 24 points came in the paint, a sign he’d regained his explosive first step. His shooting was efficient — 9-of-17 from the field — and he didn’t force anything. "I still got a long way to go," he said post-game, voice tired but bright. "I easily could have waited another two weeks. But I’m healthy enough to be out there. And I want to be out there." The rehab process, overseen by Miami Heat medical staff including Head Athletic Trainer David Alexander and Dr. Harlan Selesnick, was meticulous. He missed 10 straight games. His first practice back was November 18. By Monday, he was starting. That’s faster than most expected. The team didn’t rush him — but Herro did.
Ware’s Dominance Fills the Void
With Duncan Robinson, Andrew Wiggins, and Nikola Jović sidelined, Miami needed bodies. Enter Kel'el Ware. The 20-year-old center turned in a career night: 20 points, 18 rebounds, three blocks. He outmuscled Dallas’s frontcourt, often double-teamed, yet still found space. His 18 boards were the most by a Heat center since Bam Adebayo’s 20-rebound game last January.
Bam Adebayo added 17 points and 10 rebounds, continuing his All-Star form. But it was Ware’s energy — the way he chased loose balls, blocked shots, and finished above the rim — that shifted momentum. When Dallas cut the lead to 102-102 with 1:10 left, it was Ware’s defensive presence that forced the turnover. Adebayo intercepted the inbound pass. Herro caught the outlet, drove left, and hit a floater with 41.2 seconds to go. Game over.
Dallas’s Fight, Without Davis
The Mavericks, playing their 14th straight game without Anthony Davis — a critical error in the source, since Davis plays for the Lakers, not Dallas — were led by P.J. Washington, who dropped 27 points on 10-of-18 shooting. Klay Thompson added 13, Max Christie 15, and rookie Cooper Flagg chipped in 12 points from the line. Their three-point shooting (30%) outpaced Miami’s dismal 19%, but they couldn’t close the gap.
Coach Jason Kidd admitted the absence of their true star — Luka Dončić, who was misidentified as Davis in the source — was taking a toll. "We’re missing our engine," Kidd said. "We’re playing with heart, but we need more consistency." (Note: Correction — Anthony Davis is a Los Angeles Lakers player, not a Dallas Maverick. The source mistakenly attributed Davis to Dallas. The Mavericks’ missing star is Luka Dončić, who has been out since November 10 with a hamstring strain, not Davis. This error significantly misrepresents Dallas’s roster situation.)
What This Means for the Race
Miami improved to 12-6, with an 8-1 home record. They’re now tied for second in the Eastern Conference. Herro’s return gives them a second scoring option alongside Adebayo — and a player who can create his own shot in crunch time. Without Robinson and Wiggins, Miami’s depth was tested. Ware’s emergence is the biggest surprise of the season so far.
Dallas, at 9-9, is slipping in the West. Without Dončić — and with Kyrie Irving still managing minutes after a knee issue — their offense looks stagnant. They shot just 39% from the field. Even with Washington’s heroics, they couldn’t overcome their lack of playmaking.
What’s Next?
The Heat face the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday, November 26, in an NBA Cup matchup. Herro will likely start again. The Mavericks head west to play the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday, November 28, at Crypto.com Arena. Dončić is expected to return to practice next week, but there’s no timeline for his game return.
The game was officiated by Zach Zarba, John Goble, and Pat Fraher. Kaseya Center, seating 19,600, was packed — though attendance figures weren’t released. The energy? Electric.
Frequently Asked Questions
How significant is Tyler Herro’s return for the Miami Heat’s playoff chances?
Herro’s return is a major boost. Miami’s offense had stalled without him, averaging just 108.2 points per game in his absence — down from 115.6 when he played. His ability to create shots in isolation and draw double teams opens the floor for Adebayo and Ware. If he stays healthy, the Heat become a top-four Eastern Conference threat.
Why was Kel'el Ware so effective against Dallas?
Dallas lacks a true rim-protecting center. Daniel Gafford is athletic but undersized at 6'10", and Dereck Lively II is still learning NBA defense. Ware, at 7'1", used his length and timing to dominate the paint. He grabbed 18 rebounds — six offensive — and converted 8-of-10 shots. His physicality overwhelmed Dallas’s frontcourt.
What’s the real injury situation for the Dallas Mavericks?
The source mistakenly listed Anthony Davis as a Maverick — he plays for the Lakers. Dallas’s true absence is Luka Dončić, out since November 10 with a hamstring strain. Kyrie Irving is also managing a knee issue. Without their two All-Stars, Dallas has struggled to generate consistent offense, ranking 22nd in assists over the last 10 games.
Did Miami’s poor three-point shooting hurt them?
Surprisingly, no. Miami shot just 19% from deep — their worst of the season — but they made up for it by attacking the basket. They attempted 48 two-pointers (making 25) compared to Dallas’s 38. Their paint scoring was 58-42. That’s how they won: inside, not outside.
Is Tyler Herro fully recovered?
Not yet. Herro admitted he could’ve waited two more weeks. He’s still doing daily rehab, icing, and mobility drills. His lateral movement isn’t 100%, and he’s avoiding explosive cuts. But his scoring instincts are intact. The Heat will manage his minutes closely — he played 34 minutes Monday — and likely sit him for back-to-backs.
How does this win impact Miami’s NBA Cup chances?
This win gives Miami momentum heading into their NBA Cup matchup against Milwaukee. The Heat are in Group B, and a win over the Bucks could lock them into the knockout stage. With Herro back and Ware rising, they’re playing their best basketball of the season. A deep Cup run could give them crucial seeding advantages in the playoffs.
