The Miami Heat stopped a five-game losing skid with a 120-103 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday night. Norman Powell led the Heat with 19 points, while Tyler Herro contributed 18. The Heat had contributions from everyone in the victory.
Heat Recover After Cavaliers Comeback
Despite squandering a 17-point lead in the third quarter, the Heat recovered in the fourth. Miami led by nine with five minutes remaining. Bam Adebayo then converted a three-point play, and Kel’el Ware followed with a layup in an 11-second span.
Adebayo finished with 17 points, and Ware had 13 points and 11 rebounds. Eight players on the Heat scored in double figures. The Heat will remain in Cleveland to face the Cavaliers again on Friday.
Cavaliers’ Winning Streak Halted
Donovan Mitchell scored 28 points for the Cavs before fouling out in the final minutes. James Harden and Sam Merrill each scored 18. The Cavaliers’ winning streak ended at four.
Cleveland coach Kenny Atkinson wanted a better defensive effort from his team, which gave up 131 points against Orlando on Tuesday. Atkinson said the Cavs need to “make the shift in mentality” with the playoffs nearing, believing they are capable of more.
Injuries Impact Cavaliers
Center Jarrett Allen missed his 10th straight game for the Cavs, who haven’t been fully healthy all season. Forward Dean Wade rolled his right ankle in warmups when he stepped on a ballboy’s foot. Wade has started 36 games.
The Heat made 13 3-pointers while opening a 21-point lead in the first half. The Heat, with one of the NBA’s most potent offenses, were a good test and they controlled most of the first three quarters.
The teams meet again on Friday for the fourth and final time this season.