Dante Exum Proves 'Importance' to Mavs in Clutch Win: ‘I’m Always Ready’

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During the Dallas Mavericks' victory over the Miami Heat, Dante Exum scored 13 points, including a crucial three-pointer in the fourth quarter of the game between the two teams.  

It was not Luka Doncic nor Kyrie Irving who succeeded in making the game-winning jumper for the Dallas Mavericks in the most crucial moment of a game that they absolutely had to win.   

The Mavs were down by one with 3:15 left in the game, and Doncic was doubled as the shot clock was running out. When Doncic was being double-teamed, he found Dante Exum wide open at the top of the key.  

Exum made the 3-pointer that put Dallas ahead for good in their 114–108 win over the Miami Heat on Thursday at the American Airlines Centre.  

Being in the last lineup and hitting the game-winning 3-pointer was a turning point in Exum's up-and-down season.    

"I think it's always about readiness," Exum stated. I haven't closed a game in a while, but being ready is most important. Knowing Kyrie Irving and Luka Dončić would be doubled, I should focus on returning to the ball and being confident in my free shots.   

A total of thirteen points, five assists, and four rebounds were scored by Exum during the victory. It was in the final three minutes and more of the game when he scored seven of his thirteen points.  

During the final minutes of the game, Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd praised Exum for his ability to relieve Doncic and Irving of their pressure. Kidd said that Exum is able to do this since he is in the final lineup.  

"You can tell how important he is by how calm he is," Mavs head coach Jason Kidd said. "I thought his speed in the second half would help Luka Dončić avoid having to bring the ball up."   

Besides that, he found Luka and made easy shots for him. He also makes easy shots for his friends. We've missed his speed around here, and you can see that today. 

Doncic scored 35 points, 11 assists, and 11 rebounds for another 30-point triple-double. He praised Exum's comeback after missing 13 games with a right knee injury.  

He was fantastic. Incredible performance, especially down the stretch "Doncic stated. "He missed many games. Coming back is hard, but he was great. That was special.”   

In a one-point game during a three-game losing streak, Dallas needed to win to stop the bleeding. Exum's ability to step in off the bench and make critical shots helped the Mavs right the ship, and if he can continue to perform as well as he did on Thursday .

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