The Miami Heat continued their winning ways Sunday night, beating the Cleveland Cavaliers 122-113 in a game highlighted by a stellar performance from Tyler Herro. The Heat guard scored 34 points, including 19 in a dominant third quarter, to help Miami secure its third consecutive win and match its longest streak of scoring 121 points or more in franchise history.
Duncan Robinson added 23 points for the Heat, while Jimmy Butler chipped in with 18. Bam Adebayo had an all-around impactful night, contributing 16 points, 13 rebounds, and six assists. Terry Rozier also made his presence felt with 14 points off the bench.
For the Cavaliers, who dropped to 21-4 on the season, Darius Garland led the way with 23 points. Georges Niang added 15 points, but the team was dealt a blow in the first half when forward Evan Mobley exited with a sprained ankle. Donovan Mitchell struggled, scoring just 12 points on 5-of-16 shooting.
Division Dominance Tested, Cleveland is now 5-3 against the Southeast Division but boasts an impressive 16-1 record against all other NBA teams, Cooling Off: After a red-hot 15-0 start to the season, the Cavaliers are 6-4 in their last ten games.
Offensive Surge as Miami’s streak of scoring at least 121 points extended to three games, tying a franchise record, Home Sweet Home: The Heat have won four straight at home, their longest streak of the season.
In the fourth quarter, with Miami holding a tenuous lead, reserve guard Dru Smith provided the spark. Smith grabbed two offensive rebounds on a single possession and capped it off with a clutch three-pointer from the left corner. The play extended Miami’s lead to 112-99 with 4:22 remaining, effectively sealing the victory.
Tyler Herro’s offensive explosion included two of the best third quarters of his career in a five-day span. He scored 21 points against the Lakers on Wednesday and followed it up with 19 points in the third quarter Sunday.
Both teams will enjoy a brief respite as the NBA Cup knockout round takes center stage. Cleveland will host the Washington Wizards on Friday, while Miami will face the Toronto Raptors at home on Thursday.
With their offense firing on all cylinders, the Heat look to continue their ascent in the standings, while the Cavaliers aim to regroup and maintain their early-season dominance.
