There was no miracle in Cleveland, where the Heat, still deprived of many elements including Jimmy Butler, who returned to Miami to treat his knee, did not last more than a half against the ardor of the troops. by JB Bickerstaff.
The Floridians had however started well, with in particular a Bam Adebayo well in the game, at the conclusion of a 13-2 to put his people in orbit (8-17). But the approximations did not last long on the side of Cleveland, who quickly rectified the situation.
First there were the 3-point baskets of the Garland-Okoro-Osman trio to replace the locals after 12 minutes (28-27), then a one-sided start to the second quarter, concretized by 12-0 (40-30). Evan Mobley then slammed a third dunk while the Garland-Mitchell pair increased the gap to +17 at the break (59-42).
The Cavaliers kept their foot on the accelerator after returning from the locker room in order to quickly secure the victory, with a Cedi Osman in great shape (11 points in the third quarter) and a Garland-Mitchell-Mobley trio always present to accentuate the victory. gap (95-64).
Despite a small burst of pride in the last act, Miami finished at -26 and still lost a player, Duncan Robinson, hit in the left ankle after falling on the foot of Evan Mobley (113-87). When it doesn’t want…
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– The bad luck of the Heat. The incredible carnage continued for Miami since, barely back, Duncan Robinson injured himself again, in his left ankle this time, after suffering from his hand in recent days. Looking at the roster, what more could Miami have hoped for in this game? Not much…
– The Cavs collective on its 31. The Cavaliers did not show feelings against a diminished Miami formation. JB Bickerstaff’s men unrolled their basketball so as to quickly outclass their evening opponent. Result: 7 players with 8 points and more, and 31 assists. This is the third time this season that Cleveland has exceeded 30 assists in a game, a sign that the team is doing well.
TOPS/FLOPS
✅ Darius Garland. The spark that ignited the powder. Too fast for Kyle Lowry and the Heat defense in general, the Cavs bandleader rolled out his basketball and the rest followed. A big match in “only” 28 minutes of play in the end.
✅ Cedi Osman. He bent the match when he warmed up at the end of the third quarter. 12 bonus rebounds and a +/- from elsewhere, at +39 for Cleveland when the Turk was on the floor!
✅⛔️Bam Adebayo. His impact diminished too much over the course of the match but the Florida pivot still did not deserve it. As in the Heat’s last victory, Bam Adebayo is irreproachable in terms of state of mind and investment. Unfortunately for Miami, that’s not enough.
⛔️ Kyle Lowry. An impact far too weak on his part in view of the current context. Clumsy, he also lost five balloons. One of his worst games of the season so far.
THE FOLLOWING
Cleveland (10-6): Back-to-back at home for the Cavaliers who receive Atlanta tonight (01:00)
Miami (7-10): same thing for the Heat which is for its part expected on the floor of the Wolves this evening (02:00)
