Cavaliers Rout Heat, Leave Miami on Brink of Playoff Sweep

MIAMI — The Miami Heat faced a devastating defeat on Saturday, losing 124-87 to the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 3 of their playoff series. The loss marked the worst playoff defeat in franchise history and left the Heat trailing 0-3 in the best-of-seven opening round.

Heat coach Erik Spoelstra expressed disappointment after the game, acknowledging the team’s struggle against a formidable Cavaliers squad. “Clearly a very disappointing day,” Spoelstra said. “Look … our guys really want this, and it probably looks like our guys don’t. I know about how much everybody cares.”

The game started with the Heat taking a nine-point lead, but the Cavaliers quickly countered with an 18-0 run, taking a commanding 33-20 lead by the end of the first period. “Once we jumped on them at the start of the game, they just jumped on it from there,” Spoelstra said.

Despite some strong performances, including 22 points from Bam Adebayo, the Heat did not manage a significant reply. Tyler Herro struggled, scoring just 13 points on 5-of-13 shooting. “Definitely disappointed,” Herro stated. “It’s just not enough to compete against a team like that.”

On the other side, the Cavaliers showcased their depth, with four players scoring in double figures, including 22 from Jarrett Allen and 19 from Evan Mobley. Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson praised his team’s balanced approach, noting their ability to attack the Heat’s defense efficiently.

The Heat now face the possibility of being swept if they cannot make a turnaround in Game 4 at Kaseya Center on Monday. “We won’t have all the solutions by Monday,” Spoelstra said, adding that the focus is solely on winning the next game.

Adebayo emphasized his determination, saying, “As captain, you know me, we’re going to go down swinging.” With the Heat looking to get back on track, the pressure mounts as they prepare for a must-win situation against a talented Cavaliers team.