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Cavaliers Secure Playoff Spot with Win Over Heat

Cleveland becomes the first NBA team to clinch a playoff berth this season, defeating a shorthanded Miami Heat in a tightly contested game.

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell goes to the basket past Miami Heat guard Pelle Larsson, right, in the first half of an NBA basketball game in Cleveland, Ohio, on Wednesday, March 5, 2025.
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Overview

  • The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Miami Heat 112-107, improving to 52-10 and clinching a guaranteed top-six playoff seed in the Eastern Conference.
  • Donovan Mitchell led the Cavaliers with 26 points, while De’Andre Hunter’s late-game contributions highlighted his growing role in Cleveland’s rotation.
  • The Heat, playing without several key players including Tyler Herro and Andrew Wiggins, relied on Bam Adebayo’s 34-point performance but fell short in the final minutes.
  • Kevin Love, returning to Cleveland for the first time since leaving the team in 2023, received a warm ovation and a tribute video, with speculation about his future jersey retirement by the Cavaliers.
  • The Cavaliers’ victory underscores their strong season, marked by a dominant defense, efficient offense, and deep roster, as they aim for a deep postseason run.