Jarrett Allen powered the Cleveland Cavaliers to one of their most resilient wins of the season Wednesday night, posting 30 points and 10 rebounds as the short-handed Cavs stormed back to beat the Miami Heat 130-116 and snap Miami’s four-game winning streak.
De’Andre Hunter added 21 points for Cleveland, which rebounded from a heartbreaking 140-138 overtime loss at Miami on Monday. Lonzo Ball chipped in 15 points and eight assists, while reserve guard Craig Porter Jr. delivered one of the best all-around performances of his young career with 19 points, nine assists, and four blocks off the bench.
Cleveland, playing without three of its All-Stars — Darius Garland (toe), Donovan Mitchell (rest), and Evan Mobley (rest) — improved to 15-7 following a regular-season loss since coach Kenny Atkinson took over last season.
The Cavaliers turned a sluggish first half into a statement win, using their defense to spark a third-quarter comeback. Down 14 midway through the third, Cleveland capitalized on Miami’s sloppy ball-handling — the Heat committed 21 turnovers that led to 29 Cavaliers points. A 13-2 run capped by Hunter’s three-pointer gave Cleveland its first lead, 99-98, with 10:03 remaining. From there, the Cavs dominated, outscoring Miami 31-18 over the final 10 minutes.
Norman Powell led the Heat with 27 points, while Andrew Wiggins had 17 points, nine rebounds, and six assists but also turned the ball over five times. Davion Mitchell scored 16, and rookie Kel’el Ware continued to impress with 15 points and 13 rebounds. Miami was without Bam Adebayo (toe) and Tyler Herro (heel).
Tyrese Proctor scored 12 points for Cleveland but struggled from the field, shooting just 4-for-15. Still, the Cavaliers’ balance and bench depth made up for their missing stars, with six players scoring in double figures.
Miami led by as many as 12 in the second quarter before Cleveland closed the half on a 15-4 burst to pull within 64-61 at the break. Allen dominated early in the fourth, scoring eight points during a decisive 14-2 Cavs run that put the game out of reach.
The Heat have now dropped seven of their last eight games against Cleveland, including both meetings this week.
Cavaliers: Host the Toronto Raptors on Thursday. Heat: Visit the New York Knicks on Friday.
