Tyler Herro put on a scoring clinic with 34 points as the Miami Heat continued their winning ways, defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers 122-113 on Sunday night.
Herro’s dynamic performance fueled Miami’s offensive surge, extending their win streak to three games.
Duncan Robinson added 23 points for the Heat, showcasing his sharpshooting ability, while Jimmy Butler contributed 18 points in a balanced Miami attack. Bam Adebayo delivered a double-double with 16 points, 13 rebounds, and six assists, providing the team with stability on both ends of the floor. Terry Rozier rounded out Miami’s top contributors with 14 points off the bench.
Cleveland, meanwhile, fell to 21-4 despite Darius Garland’s 23 points. The Cavaliers lost Evan Mobley to a sprained ankle in the first half, leaving a significant void in their frontcourt. Georges Niang stepped up with 15 points, but Donovan Mitchell struggled, managing just 12 points on 5-of-16 shooting.
The game was an evenly matched offensive showcase, with both teams shooting 47.7% from the field. However, Miami capitalized on key moments in the second half to secure the victory. The Heat outperformed Cleveland in hustle plays, highlighted by reserve guard Dru Smith’s pivotal possession late in the fourth quarter. Smith grabbed two offensive rebounds and capped the sequence with a corner three-pointer, extending Miami’s lead to 112-99 with just over four minutes left.
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Herro’s third-quarter performance was another standout element, as he poured in 19 points during the frame. This marked the second time in five days that Herro has delivered one of his highest-scoring third quarters, following a 21-point effort against the Lakers earlier in the week.
For Cleveland, the loss marked a rare stumble after a blazing 15-0 start to the season. While they remain dominant against most of the league, their 5-3 record against the Southeast Division has shown cracks in their otherwise stellar campaign. The Cavaliers now face questions about consistency and depth as they adapt to injuries and fluctuating performances.
Miami are on fire
Miami, on the other hand, is hitting its stride offensively. The Heat have scored at least 121 points in three consecutive games, tying a franchise record. Their ability to maintain this level of offensive production, coupled with their defensive intensity, has made them a formidable force, particularly at home, where they’ve now won four straight.
Adebayo’s presence in the paint was instrumental in containing Cleveland’s interior attack, especially with Mobley sidelined. His rebounding and playmaking added a layer of versatility to Miami’s game plan, while Butler’s steady scoring and leadership provided a calming influence during critical stretches.
Despite the Cavs’ struggles, Garland’s scoring kept them competitive, and Niang’s shooting added a much-needed spark. However, Mitchell’s off night underscored the team’s reliance on his production, leaving Cleveland searching for answers on how to maintain offensive efficiency without their All-Star firing on all cylinders.
Looking ahead, the Heat will host the Toronto Raptors on Thursday, aiming to extend their hot streak. The Cavaliers, meanwhile, return home to face the Washington Wizards on Friday, hoping to regroup and bounce back from this rare loss.
Miami’s victory over Cleveland serves as a statement win, showcasing their offensive depth and resilience. For the Cavs, it’s a reminder that even the best teams have areas for improvement as the season progresses.
