Cavaliers Stunned by Heat Buzzer-Beater After Mitchell’s Late Heroics Fall Short
The Cleveland Cavaliers arrived in Miami riding high, having secured four consecutive victories against formidable foes including the Hawks, 76ers, Wizards, and Bulls. In those four outings, the Cavaliers showcased an offensive explosion, averaging an impressive 131 points per game. However, the Miami Heat were not to be overlooked, entering the game with a solid 6-4 record and boasting an unblemished home record this season.
Early Dominance by Cleveland
The game began with the Cavaliers establishing their presence early on. Jarrett Allen dominated the paint, showcasing his athleticism with powerful dunks and agile layups. By the end of the first quarter, Cleveland had built a five-point lead, leaving fans excited for what was to come.
Miami’s Resurgent Second Quarter
However, the tides turned dramatically in the second quarter. The Heat turned up the heat, outscoring the Cavaliers by 14 points. A pivotal 12-0 run, fueled by a series of three-pointers from Norman Powell and Pelle Larson, shifted the momentum firmly in Miami’s favor. By halftime, the Heat had a 62-53 advantage, leaving Cleveland scrambling to regain control.
Third Quarter Free Throw Frenzy
The third quarter was characterized by relentless scoring from both teams. Miami capitalized on their opportunities at the foul line, racking up an impressive 19 free throws. Donovan Mitchell found his rhythm for Cleveland, contributing 13 points with effective drives to the basket, while De’Andre Hunter added another seven. Despite the Cavaliers’ efforts, they matched Miami’s output in the quarter, leaving the Heat with a nine-point cushion heading into the final frame.
Cleveland’s Fourth Quarter Surge
The fourth quarter saw a remarkable performance from Sam Merrill, who ignited the Cavaliers with four consecutive three-pointers in as many possessions, single-handedly tying the game. With contributions from Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and Hunter, Cleveland briefly seized a two-point lead with just 12.8 seconds left on the clock. But Jaime Jaquez Jr. refused to relent, sinking a clutch basket to tie the game and force overtime.
Overtime Drama Unfolds
In the extra period, Jaquez continued to shine, starting with free throws that propelled Miami forward. The back-and-forth scoring kept fans on the edge of their seats, with Miami holding a narrow lead. Jaquez delivered another critical shot, pushing them ahead 136-133. After trading free throws, the Heat maintained a three-point lead with only 6.5 seconds remaining.
Mitchell’s Buzzer-Beater and Miami’s Last Laugh
Then came the moment of truth. Donovan Mitchell, under immense pressure, launched a fading, spinning three-pointer from the corner that swished through the net, tying the game at 136-136 with just 0.4 seconds left on the clock. But Miami had one last play in store. Drawing up a clever lob, they found Andrew Wiggins, who executed flawlessly, scoring just as the buzzer sounded to clinch the victory for the Heat.
Inconsistencies Highlighted
Despite the thrilling finish, the game was marred by inconsistencies. The combination of Merrill and Mitchell struggled from beyond the arc, shooting a combined 7 of 32 from three-point range. Additionally, Miami enjoyed a significant advantage at the free-throw line, earning 41 attempts compared to Cleveland’s 27. With this heartbreaking loss, the Cavaliers will regroup as they prepare for another matchup in Miami on Wednesday.
