Butler inspires Heat victory as Mavs playoff hopes fade

MIAMI — Jimmy Butler scored 35 points as the Miami Heat snapped their three-game losing streak to inflict a damaging 129-122 defeat on the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday (Sunday, Manila time).

Heat talisman Butler produced a typically dynamic performance to steer Miami to a precious win, leading the scoring from 12-of-16 shooting while laying on 12 assists.

Cody Zeller provided offensive support with 20 points while Kevin Love and Max Strus added 18 points apiece, with Tyler Herro finishing with 15.

Miami improved to 41-37 and remain seventh in the Eastern Conference standings, one win behind the sixth-placed Brooklyn Nets as they chase an automatic playoff berth.

But while Miami celebrated, Dallas were left contemplating another painful loss that leaves them closer to the ignominy of missing the postseason one year after reaching the Western Conference finals.

The Mavs remain 11th in the Western Conference with a 37-41 record and are now one game behind the 10th placed Oklahoma City Thunder, who occupy the last of the play-in berths.

Crucially, Oklahoma City own the head-to-head tie-breaker with Dallas, meaning that they will still be ahead of the Mavericks even if they draw level on wins. 

Dallas, who have lost six of their last seven games, have just four regular season games left to force their way into the playoffs.

Luka Doncic led the Dallas charge in Miami on Saturday with 42 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists while Tim Hardaway Jr finished with 31 points. 

Kyrie Irving had 23 points but struggled to stamp his influence on the contest.

The writing was on the wall for Dallas after the first quarter, with Miami pouring in the points to lead 44-31 heading into the second.

Dallas regrouped in the second period but still trailed by 12 points at the break.

Although Dallas threatened to sneak back into the game late in the fourth quarter, Butler's poise at key moments ensured Miami always managed to keep the Mavs at arm’s length as they closed out victory.