This is a week of milestones for the Cavs. They beat the Mavericks in Dallas for the first time since 2017, and on Wednesday, Cleveland defeated the Heat in Miami for the first time since 2010 as the Cavs routed Miami 111-85.
Before Wednesday’s win, Cleveland had a 20-game losing streak in Miami.
Cleveland had six players in double-figures, and just like they did against Dallas, led Miami(13-9) by as much as 31 points.
Miami was without Jimmy Butler(tail bone contusion) and Bam Adebayo(thumb).
After losing five consecutive games, the Cavs(12-10) have won three straight.
The Great for the Cavaliers:
First Quarter: Cleveland got out early on Miami. The Cavaliers shot 65% from the field, including five threes. The Cavs forced seven turnovers, and they also had five blocks. Allen had three, and Mobley two. In addition, they held the Heat to 28% shooting from the floor and 1/9 from downtown. Ultimately, the Cavs had a 31-16 lead after one.
Second Quarter Kevin Love: Love was 3/3 from the field, all threes, and scored 11 of his 17 first- half points in the second quarter off Cleveland’s bench. He finished with a season and game-high 22 points, including six threes, six rebounds, three assists, and two steals.
Third Quarter Evan Mobley: After a scoreless first half, the rookie scored 15 (two threes) of his 17 points and grabbed four of his 11 rebounds in the third. He also added four blocks. Cleveland took a 24-point lead into the fourth.
This was Mobley’s fifth double-double of the season.
Block Party: A block party broke out in South Beach. The Cavs had a season-high 14 blocks against Miami. Allen led the way with five blocks, and Mobley had four. According to Cavs Notes, Allen and Mobley are the first Cavs’ duo to each have four-plus blocks in a game. Cleveland held Miami to 38% shooting from the field Wednesday night.
-Darius Garland had 16 points, including four threes and seven assists. This was his fifth straight game with 7-plus assists(tied for the longest streak in his career).
-Jarrett Allen has done it again. He had his fifth straight double-double with 19 points(7/8 FG) and 11 rebounds. Allen has been a beast this season and continues to play at a high level.
The Not So Great for the Cavaliers:
The Cavs have to clean up the turnovers. Cleveland had 21 turnovers against Miami. They also committed 20 turnovers against the Mavericks Monday night.
Bottom Line:
Cleveland got another big road win and broke another streak along the way. It’s no coincidence that since Mobley’s return, the Cavs have gone 3-0. He’s just a winning player. Yes, Miami did not have Butler and Adebayo, but again, Cleveland had been battling injuries, too, so that’s the way it sometimes goes in the NBA.
“We all know they’re down a couple of star players, but that’s no excuse for us to go out there and be lackadaisical,” Allen said after the game. “We went out there and threw the first punch, and we took it home.”
What’s Next:
Cleveland concludes their three-game road trip Friday night against the Wizards. The Cavs hope to finish the road trip 3-0.
Best of the Rest:
-Miami had five players in double figures led by Tyler Herro’s 21 points.
-Cleveland shot it well from all over the floor. The Cavs shot 54% from the field, including 52% from downtown. (16-31), and 91% from the line(21/23). According to Cavs Notes, it was just the fifth time since 2000-01 the Cavs had a game with .500+ FG%, .500+ 3FG%, and .900+ FT%.
-Lamar Stevens added 12 points off the Cavs’ bench. He also chipped in with two blocks.
-Cleveland’s last three wins have been by at least 13 points or more.
-Cavs were again without Cedi Osman(back) and Dean Wade(Calf).
Listen below as Love, Allen, and Mobley react to big win over Miami:
