Balanced scoring and a timely fourth-quarter push helped the Heat snap a five-game skid with a 120-103 win over the Cavaliers on Wednesday night.
Norman Powell led Miami with 19 points, while Tyler Herro added 18 as the Heat leaned on a true team effort. Eight Miami players finished in double figures, including Bam Adebayo with 17 points and Kel'el Ware, who posted 13 points and 11 rebounds.
Miami appeared in control early, knocking down 13 three-pointers and building a lead that swelled to 21 points in the first half. The Heat still held a 17-point advantage in the third quarter before Cleveland stormed back to make things interesting.
The Cavaliers trimmed the deficit to single digits late, but Miami responded with a decisive sequence. With just over five minutes remaining, Adebayo converted a three-point play, and moments later Ware added a layup in an 11-second burst that helped the Heat regain full control.
Donovan Mitchell led Cleveland with 28 points but fouled out in the closing minutes. James Harden and Sam Merrill each added 18 points as the Cavs saw their four-game winning streak come to an end.
Cleveland, still searching for consistency defensively, struggled to slow Miami’s offense after allowing 131 points in its previous outing. Injuries also continued to be a factor, with Jarrett Allen missing his 10th straight game and Dean Wade exiting before tipoff after rolling his ankle during warmups.
Miami, one of the league’s most explosive offensive teams when healthy, controlled most of the night and closed strong to secure the win.
Up next: The two teams will meet again in Cleveland on Friday in their final matchup of the regular season.
