Cavs Crush Heat 124-87, Take 3-0 Series Lead

CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Cleveland Cavaliers dominated the Miami Heat on Saturday, defeating them 124-87 in Game 3 of their playoff series. This win marks the Cavs’ third largest victory in franchise playoff history and the Heat’s largest postseason loss.

The Cavs, now leading the series 3-0, showcased their offensive prowess right from the start. Cleveland’s perimeter shooting was a key factor, as they hit 14 of their 24 made field goals from beyond the arc, continuing their momentum from a successful Game 1 where they made 18 threes. Max Strus, a former Heat player, set the tone early with four 3-pointers, while Donovan Mitchell, Sam Merrill, and DeAndre Hunter each contributed with multiple baskets from long range.

Miami’s Tyler Herro attempted to keep the Heat competitive, scoring 17 points in the first half, but Cleveland’s lead grew to an insurmountable 20 points as they executed their game plan flawlessly. Momentum shifted firmly in favor of the Cavs as Miami struggled to find offensive rhythm and turned the ball over seven times in the first half.

Cavs head coach Kenny Atkinson emphasized his team’s adaptable defensive strategy post-game, highlighting how they prepared for Miami’s strengths while exploiting their weaknesses. With Darius Garland sidelined due to a toe injury, other players stepped up, including DeAndre Hunter, who scored eight points in just 13 minutes on the court.

Despite the lopsided score, Miami managed to make 16 three-pointers, shooting 47% from beyond the arc. However, their performance was lackluster overall, illustrating how Cleveland’s defense hampered their effectiveness. The Cavaliers upped their defensive intensity, forcing Miami into tougher shots and limiting their offensive options.

As the Cavs look to sweep the series in Game 4, they find themselves with a significant advantage, both mentally and physically. With players stepping into expanded roles and proving their capabilities, Cleveland aims to carry this momentum into the next round, fully aware of their potential to challenge the conference’s elite.