Date: October 31, 2024Location: American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX
The fourth quarter opened with the Mavericks clinging to a narrow 82–79 lead. The crowd wasn't roaring yet, but they were leaning in. Miami was clawing their way back—Tyler Herro weaving through screens, Bam Adebayo punishing every defensive lapse. The Heat didn't need flair. They just needed pressure.
Zoran sat on the bench for the first three minutes. Towel over his shoulders. Legs humming. Mind sharp.
"Back in," Coach Kidd called.
Zoran stood up, passed the towel to a trainer, and checked in. Miami had gone on a 7–2 run. It was 86–84.
On the first possession, Zoran took control. A high screen with Dereck Lively II pulled Bam Adebayo into the action. When the trap came, Zoran split it—shoulders low, eyes up. One bounce. Then a laser of a pass between two defenders to Lively for the slam.
Tied again: 86–86.
The next few minutes were a slugfest. Herro floated in a runner. Dinwiddie drilled a corner three. Bam dropped in a putback. Klay hit a turnaround over Martin.
Then it was Zoran's turn.
With five minutes to go, tied at 91, he took a pass from Klay and didn't hesitate. Drove off the dribble, drew Bam out of position, and dropped in a floater.
Next play, the defense sagged. He ran the set clean, then skipped a pass to Max Christie in the corner.
Cash.
Timeout, Miami. Dallas up 96–93.
In the huddle, Coach Kidd tapped the clipboard once and pointed. "Smart reads. Don't rush the clock."
Zoran didn't nod. He was already reviewing the last two possessions in his head.
The Heat pushed again—Lowry got to the line. Duncan Robinson hit a deep three off movement.
But the Mavs held.
With 90 seconds left, Zoran caught the ball off a broken play. Bam was in front of him again. This time, he didn't drive.
He just stepped back and let it fly from 22 feet.
Splash.
The crowd finally erupted.
Adebayo looked stunned for half a second.
That made 19.
Final possession: Miami scrambled to trap. The ball moved—Klay to Dinwiddie to Zoran, then a one-handed bounce to Klay cutting baseline.
Layup. Game.
Final Score: Mavericks 104 – Heat 99
Zoran walked off the floor with the same quiet demeanor he had entered with. No roar. No fist pumps. Just another win on the board.
But in the locker room, the tone was different now.
Postgame – Locker Room
Klay tossed him a towel. "They were gunning for you tonight. You answered."
Dinwiddie chimed in. "You might force their hand, man. Ain't no way you just here for ten days."
Even Anthony Davis gave him a pat on the shoulder. "That bounce pass to Lively? Pro level."
He didn't say anything. Just took a seat and untied his shoes.
Media Coverage – November 1, 2024
"Zoran Vranes continues to deliver. The rookie on a 10-day contract dropped 19 points on 61% shooting against a playoff-tested Miami defense. Dallas faces a roster dilemma—extend his stay or risk losing him to another team."– ESPN Dallas
"He's not just a plug-in. He's impacting games. Period."– Kendrick Perkins, First Take
Jason Kidd's postgame comments were measured: "He's doing what we ask. He plays within the flow, takes care of the ball, competes on defense. The rest? That's a front office call."
Zoran Vranes — Final Box Score vs. Miami Heat
Points: 19
Assists: 6
Rebounds: 4
Steals: 3
FG: 8/13
3PT: 3/5
FT: 0/0
Minutes: 30
+/-: +10