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3d ago

Cavaliers and Heat Prepare for Pivotal Game 3 as Tensions Escalate

With Cleveland leading 2-0, Miami looks to rebound at home while player matchups and strategic adjustments take center stage.

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland against Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro in the second half in Game 1 of an NBA first-round playoff series, Sunday, April 20, 2025, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
Darius Garland #10 of the Cleveland Cavaliers guards Tyler Herro #14 of the Miami Heat during the second quarter of game one of the first round of the Eastern Conference Playoffs at Rocket Arena on April 20, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio.
Image
Apr 13, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson stands on the court in the first quarter against the Indiana Pacers at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images/File Photo

Overview

  • The Cleveland Cavaliers hold a 2-0 series lead after two high-scoring home victories, powered by Donovan Mitchell’s consecutive 30-point performances.
  • Miami’s Nikola Jovic returned from injury in Game 2, contributing 11 points and 8 rebounds but acknowledging late-game mistakes that he says cost the Heat the win.
  • Tensions have risen between Darius Garland and Tyler Herro, with Garland confirming Cleveland’s strategy to target Herro defensively and Herro firing back about Garland’s defense.
  • Miami coach Erik Spoelstra has made notable lineup adjustments, including starting Davion Mitchell, a move praised by Cleveland coach Kenny Atkinson for its defensive impact.
  • Game 3, set for Saturday at Miami’s Kaseya Center, is critical for the Heat to avoid a 3-0 deficit, a position from which no team in NBA history has recovered in a best-of-seven series.