MIAMI – Donovan Mitchell delivered a standout performance, scoring 34 points, while Ty Jerome contributed 20 points off the bench, leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to a decisive 126-106 victory over the Miami Heat on Wednesday night.
Mitchell’s impressive outing marked his 14th game of the season with 30 or more points, and he has now achieved this feat in five of his last seven games.
Evan Mobley added to the Cavaliers’ success with 22 points and 15 rebounds, while Georges Niang contributed 13 points. Jarrett Allen also had a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds.
On the Miami side, Tyler Herro and Terry Rozier both scored 22 points. Bam Adebayo provided solid support with 21 points, and Duncan Robinson chipped in with 13 points. The Heat struggled on the boards, getting out-rebounded 47-35 by the Cavaliers.
The win improved the Cavaliers’ record to 29-2 when they limit their opponents to 116 points or fewer—this season, they have struggled with a 9-7 record in other matchups. Cleveland has also been perfect, 33-0, when leading after three quarters.
In terms of team management, Darius Garland, who averages 21.7 points per game, was rested, marking the second game he has missed this season. Coach Kenny Atkinson emphasized the importance of Garland’s well-being, stating, “We obviously have all the numbers and the data and all that. I’m just thinking of him first.”
The Miami Heat faced their difficulties in the first half, scoring only 41 points, which matched their season-low. However, they bounced back in the third quarter, scoring 43 points, with Herro making a significant impact by scoring eight points in the last 40 seconds of that period to bring the team closer at 94-84.
A pivotal moment in the game occurred early in the fourth quarter when the Heat had cut the deficit to eight points. The Cavaliers responded with a decisive 7-0 run in just 44 seconds, and a crucial 3-pointer from Mitchell elevated the score to 101-86 with 10:15 left on the clock, allowing Cleveland to maintain their commanding lead.
This victory marked Cleveland’s sixth wire-to-wire win of the season and their first on the road in that category. Notably, this was the fourth time this season that the Heat failed to take the lead during a game.
Looking ahead, the Cavaliers are set to start a three-game homestand on Thursday night against Atlanta, while the Heat will embark on a four-game road trip, beginning Saturday night in San Antonio.
