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'Exum-Factor' Dante point short of career high
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How Aussies performed in the NBA on February 14, 2025
- Exum's 27-point outburst secures American Airlines Center victory
- Ben Simmons played his first game for the Clippers — he was solid
- Jock Landale didn't suit up again for the Rockets
Australian star Dante Exum's explosive 27-point performance proved decisive as the Mavericks (30-26) strengthened their playoff positioning with edged out the Miami Heat (25-28) in a 118-113 win at American Airlines Center.
It's Exum's second highest score in his NBA career. He had 28 points for the Cleveland Cavaliers on January 5, 2020 against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
By the Numbers
- Dante Exum (Mavericks) starred with 27 points, four assists, three rebounds, two steals, and one block in 24 minutes.
- Tyler Herro (Heat) scored 40 points, and had eight rebounds, three assists, and three steals in 37 minutes.
Exum's efficient 27-point outburst on 11-from-13 shooting, including a perfect 2-from-2 from beyond the arc, was instrumental in the Mavericks' win. His ability to create offense and finish at the rim proved too much for the Heat's defense to handle. Former Los Angeles Lakers Max Christie contributed significantly with 19 points, five assists, and three steals, while Spencer Dinwiddie orchestrated the offence with 18 points and six assists.
Exum is the big winner in the Luca Doncic trade that sent the All-NBA First Team superstar to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis.
The Dallas Mavericks and Miami Heat engaged in a back-and-forth battle that saw multiple lead changes and momentum shifts throughout the contest. The first half ended deadlocked at 55-55, setting the stage for an intense second-half showdown.
Dallas seized control in the third quarter, outscoring Miami 29-27 to take a slim two-point lead into the final period. The fourth quarter proved to be a offensive showcase, with both teams trading baskets at a frenetic pace. The Mavericks ultimately prevailed, outscoring the Heat 34-30 in the closing frame to secure the five-point victory.
For Miami, Tyler Herro shouldered the offensive load with a game-high 40 points on 15-from-30 shooting. However, his three-point shooting (3-from-14) mirrored the team's struggles from deep. Kel'el Ware provided a strong interior presence with 17 points and nine rebounds, but it wasn't enough to overcome Dallas' balanced attack.
The Mavericks' superior shooting efficiency was a key factor in their victory. They connected on 51.1% of their field goal attempts (46-from-90) compared to Miami's 47.3% (43-from-91). Dallas also held a slight edge from three-point range, hitting 36.1% (13-from-36) to Miami's 27.8% (10-from-36).
Defensively, both teams were active in creating turnovers, with Miami holding a slight edge in steals (nine to seven).
Los Angeles Clippers @ Utah Jazz
Australian point guard Ben Simmons played his first game for the Los Angeles Clippers and he was rock solid the road team's 120-116 win against the languishing Jazz.
In 27 minutes off the bench, Simmons finished with 12 points, seven rebounds, six assists, three steals and a block.
Oklahoma City Thunder @ Minnesota Timberwolves
Australian veteran Joe Ingles and rookie Alex Ducas both logged limited minutes as the Timberwolves rolled the NBA league-leading OKC Thunder 116-101 at the Target Center in Minneapolis.
Ingles, 36, played two minutes and Ducas, 24, four. Both didn't trouble to the scorekeeper.
Golden State Warriors @ Houston Rockets
Australian centre Jock Landale didn't suit up for the Rockets in their 105-98 loss to the Golden State Warriors.
