The Cleveland Cavaliers delivered a performance to remember, flipping the script against the Miami Heat in a commanding 149-128 victory. Max Strus was on fire, sinking eight threes, while Jarrett Allen made a triumphant return to the starting lineup with a double-double. James Harden chipped in with 17 points and 10 assists, as the Cavs rebounded spectacularly from their previous loss to the same team.
Cavs head coach Kenny Atkinson highlighted the impact of Allen's return, and it was clear why. Allen's defensive presence and skill in the pick-and-roll were vital, showcasing just how much the team missed him. Atkinson also pointed out the advantage of having both Allen and Evan Mobley defending the paint, which was evident as the Heat struggled to find their rhythm inside, attempting only 24% of their shots in the paint-a significant drop from their usual average.
Interestingly, the Cavs' offensive explosion didn’t rely on Donovan Mitchell's scoring prowess. Although he had a quiet night in terms of points, Mitchell contributed with six assists and four steals, underscoring the team's collective effort.
Harden was in his element, orchestrating the offense with ease, and his connection with Allen was a highlight. Allen finished with 18 points, thriving as a rim-running partner. Harden's playmaking was on full display, making everything look seamless.
Max Strus was the standout performer, lighting up the court with his shooting. He nailed six threes in the first half alone, finishing with 29 points. His return from injury has been impactful, and his performance against his former team was a statement.
Mobley, after a subdued start, came alive in the fourth quarter, scoring 12 of his 23 points in that period. His aggressive play helped the Cavs fend off a Heat rally, effectively sealing the win alongside Keon Ellis' buzzer-beater three.
The game turned physical towards the end, with Tyler Herro and Myron Gardner both receiving technicals in a display of frustration from the Heat. Despite these flare-ups, the Cavs maintained control throughout, jumping to an early 15-2 lead that set the tone for the night.
With this win, the Cavs split the home-and-home series with the Heat and now look forward to a West Coast road trip, starting in Utah. Catch the action Monday night on FanDuel Sports Ohio at 9:00 p.m. EST.