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.

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.