CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Cavaliers secured their spot in the NBA playoffs by beating the Miami Heat 112-107 on Wednesday night. With this victory, the Cavs extended their winning streak to 12 games and became the first team this season to earn a playoff berth.
Cavs Achieve Milestones
This win came in just 62 games, making it the second-fastest playoff berth in franchise history, just behind the 2008-09 Cavs, who earned theirs in 60 games. The Cavs also became the second team in NBA history to record three separate 12-game win streaks in a season, joining the 2006-07 Dallas Mavericks.
Late-Game Drama as Heat Fights Back
Despite the Cavs’ dominance, the game wasn’t without drama. The Heat, shorthanded due to injuries and illness, held a 107-106 lead with less than three minutes remaining. However, the Cavs shut them down for the remainder of the game. Miami’s Duncan Robinson had a potential game-tying 3-pointer waved off after stepping out of bounds with just 17.4 seconds left.
Key Performances
Donovan Mitchell led the Cavaliers with 26 points, while Darius Garland added 10 assists. Evan Mobley and De’Andre Hunter contributed 16 points each. Miami’s Bam Adebayo had an impressive performance, scoring a season-high 34 points, but the Heat’s lack of depth ultimately cost them.
Kevin Love’s Return to Cleveland
In a touching moment, Kevin Love made his first appearance in Cleveland since signing with the Heat. The 36-year-old received a warm reception from Cavs fans who will always remember his crucial role in their 2016 NBA Championship win. Love was honored with a video tribute during the first quarter.
The Cavs continue their dominant season as they now focus on securing a high playoff seed with their sights set on the postseason.
