The Cleveland Cavaliers just missed a buzzer-beater, losing to the Miami Heat. It was a hard-fought outing with a playoff feel. Here’s a look at the Cavaliers’ 107-105 loss to the Miami Heat.
Starting lineup
Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley and Max Strus are all still out. The Cleveland Cavaliers went with a starting lineup of Darius Garland, Caris LeVert, Isaac Okoro, Georges Niang and Jarrett Allen.
Standout Cavs
Leading the team in both points and rebounds, Allen was the clear highlight of the night. Finishing with a monster 25 point, 20 rebound double-double, he was also efficient. He made 10 of his 13 attempts from the field.
LeVert added another double-double or to the box score (his sixth of the season). He finished with 16 points, five rebounds and 12 assists. Playing all over the floor (with two steals and a block) he continues his momentum from his excellent Monday night outing against the Indiana Pacers. He shot an efficient 44.4 percent from the field, but also committed five turnovers. His overall play was excellent, but in games like these every turnover can be the difference.
Garland, putting up 20 points and nine assists, just missed out on the double-double hat trick for Cleveland. Garland struggled Monday night from deep, but found his rhythm against the Heat. He finished with a 41.7 three-point percentage, and a 38.9 field goal percentage. Paired with his single committed turnover, he had a pretty efficient night.
Niang was also a big part of Cleveland’s performance tonight. Finishing with 18 points, three rebounds and an assist, Niang continues to play extremely hard every game. The energy he brings and his ability to get to where he needs to be have been a huge plus for the Cavaliers all season.
Sam Merrill, shooting exclusively threes, finished with 12 points on a 44.4 three-point percentage.
What happened?
Despite Cleveland’s hard play, the Heat look to be in postseason form.
Jimmy Butler, scoring 30 points with four rebounds and five assists, made things very difficult for the Cavaliers. He also shot 57.9 percent from the field, made half his three-point attempts and nabbed four steals.
Terry Rozier, hitting a shot reminiscent of Kyrie Irving’s iconic buzzer beater, was the nail in the coffin against the Cavs. He finished with 24 points, three rebounds and two assists. Nine of his points came in the last two minutes of the game. Going 50 percent from the field and a blistering 83.3 percent from deep, Rozier showed out in his home state.
Unfortunately with these performances, the Cavaliers were only able to outscore the Heat in one quarter tonight. At least it was the fourth quarter, but the game was hard fought all around.
There were seven lead changes (the largest being 11 by Miami) and three times it was tied. The Heat outscored the Cavaliers in the paint, on the fast break, and had less turnovers with a slightly higher three point percentage. These are the kinds of things that make a difference in the playoffs, and what lost Cleveland the game tonight.
On the bright side, Cleveland did top the Heat’s 19 assists with 30. Even though they lost, this Cleveland team can move the rock.
The Cavaliers play next this Friday night in Minnesota at 7:00 pm.
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Featured photo courtesy of NBA.com
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