The Cavs were down double digits after one quarter, and the Heat never looked back. Open jump shots were a big issue, and Kyle Lowry took advantage of the early Holiday gifts, going seven for nine on three-pointers and having 28 on the night.
The one positive was Craig Porter Jr., who continued his scoring trend, getting double digits again tonight with 16 (team high on the night).
Caris LeVert was ejected in the 3rd quarter and given two technical fouls after gesturing to the referee to open their eyes.
Still, no Donovan Mitchell, who was out nursing a sore hamstring. No Isaac Okoro, either.
Kyle Lowry had a stellar performance, sinking seven 3-pointers and achieving a season-high 28 points as the Miami Heat capitalized on the Cleveland Cavaliers playing the second night of a back-to-back, dominating with a 129-96 victory on Wednesday.
Lowry showcased his sharpshooting skills by making his first five 3-point attempts, ultimately finishing 7 of 9 from long range. Despite missing the services of the injured All-Star center Bam Adebayo, the Heat established a commanding 19-point lead in the first half and maintained control throughout, securing their ninth win in the last 10 games.
Miami’s success has been noteworthy, especially considering that they have played a league-high 12 of their first 17 games on the road, away from South Florida.
Rookie Jaime Jaquez Jr. delivered an outstanding performance, contributing 22 points to the Heat’s victory.
The Cavaliers, whose winning streak was halted at four, appeared fatigued after a hard-fought overtime win against Philadelphia the previous night, where they kept their hopes alive for a wild card in the NBA’s In-Season Tournament.
Darius Garland and Evan Mobley led the Cavaliers with 14 and 13 points, respectively, as they grappled with various injuries. Facing a 22-point deficit entering the fourth quarter, Cavs coach J.B. Bickerstaff opted to rest his starters.
Heat coach Erik Spoelstra followed suit, allowing his reserves to finish the game and secure Miami’s most significant win of the season.
Cavs rookie Craig Porter Jr., in his first career start, posted a team-high 16 points.
Both teams were without their star players, with Bam Adebayo sidelined due to a left hip bruise, and Donovan Mitchell absent for the Cavaliers due to a hamstring injury that the team is handling cautiously. Adebayo, a key contributor for the Heat, leads the team in scoring, rebounds, and provides a formidable defensive presence.
From the opening tip, Lowry set the tone with four 3-pointers in the first 4:49, propelling the Heat to a 19-7 lead. Although the Cavaliers mounted a comeback, Lowry’s fifth consecutive 3-pointer extended Miami’s lead to 27-20. Notably, Cleveland remained within striking distance in the third quarter, but the Heat’s barrage of five more 3-pointers, including two from Lowry, expanded the lead to 101-79 by the end of the third quarter.
The game saw some setbacks, including Miami reserve guard Dru Smith leaving the court in the second quarter with an apparent lower leg injury. Additionally, Heat forward Kevin Love did not travel with the team for personal reasons, missing the opportunity to play his first game back in Cleveland after being released last season. Love, a core member of the Cavaliers’ 2016 NBA title team, spent nine years with the franchise.
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Home vs Lakers on Saturday at 7:30 PM.
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