Cleveland.com: Five Key Takeaways from Game 2 of Cavs vs Heat
CLEVELAND, Ohio — In a thrilling Game 2 matchup, the Cleveland Cavaliers secured a 121-112 win over the Miami Heat, thanks in large part to Donovan Mitchell’s impressive 30-point performance. According to cleveland.com, Mitchell’s 17 points in the fourth quarter helped seal the win for the Cavs.
The Heat managed to creep as close as two points, thanks to a stagnant Cleveland offense that needed more contribution from players other than Mitchell. As noted by cleveland.com, Evan Mobley attempted zero field goals in nine fourth-quarter minutes, while Darius Garland finished the period 1 for 3 from the field. Max Strus, Ty Jerome, and other teammates failed to convert a field goal until Garland tipped in a missed layup in the final seconds.
While Mitchell’s solo effort may not be sustainable in the long run, particularly against stronger teams like the Boston Celtics or Indiana Pacers, cleveland.com reports that he managed to pull it off on Wednesday night. As the source notes, fans should be grateful for Mitchell’s respite, even if they are concerned about the bigger picture.
In addition to Mitchell’s heroics, cleveland.com highlights several other key takeaways from Game 2. One major observation is that Evan Mobley can learn from Bam Adebayo, despite the Heat big man’s struggles from the field. Mobley finished with 20 points on 7 for 10 shooting, while Adebayo scored 11 points on nine shots. According to cleveland.com, Mobley can take away two lessons from Adebayo’s performance: even seasoned playoff veterans can struggle, and a big man can leave his mark in many ways.
Another takeaway from Game 2 is the resurgence of De’Andre Hunter, who had a disappointing Game 1. cleveland.com reports that Hunter tallied 14 points and a steal in Game 2, playing 23 minutes and ranking tied for third on the roster in shot attempts. This performance is a welcome sight for the Cavs, who traded for Hunter to provide more defensive versatility and shot creation.
The Heat, on the other hand, are dealing with a conundrum regarding Tyler Herro, who is playing the best season of his career. As cleveland.com notes, Herro is still struggling on defense, allowing buckets on 12 of 16 field goal attempts where he was the primary defender during Game 1. Despite this, Herro is the Heat’s best shot creator, and they must live with his mixed bag reality.
Finally, cleveland.com points out that the Heat have been swept only once during coach Erik Spoelstra’s 17-year tenure. The Cavs should be cautious, as the Heat will likely put up a fight in Game 3. However, it’s worth noting that the only team to sweep the Heat under Spoelstra was the 2020-21 Milwaukee Bucks, who went on to win the championship that playoff run.
In conclusion, the Cavaliers’ win in Game 2 was a thrilling matchup that showcased Donovan Mitchell’s impressive skills. As cleveland.com reports, there are several key takeaways from the game, including the resurgence of De’Andre Hunter, the conundrum surrounding Tyler Herro, and the Cavs’ potential to sweep the Heat.
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