The Miami Heat-Cleveland Cavaliers Game 2 did not disappoint in the excitement department. The Cavaliers won game one 121-1112, primarily due to the play of Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, and Ty Jerome. That trio of players combined for 85 total points. Cleveland played more physically in Game 1, and that physical play carried over into Game 2. In Game 2, Miami wanted to match that physicality and compete with the Cavaliers.
First Quarter
The Heat came out playing physical and hitting their shots early on. Cleveland started 2-of-66 as a team, which allowed the Miami Heat to take the early lead. Shots did not fall for the Cavs early, so they turned the game gritty. On the other hand, the Heat’s shots were falling, so the Cavaliers turned up the defensive pressure. Cleveland ended the quarter, forcing Miami to play their style and tempo.
Second Quarter
The play in the second quarter flipped this Heat vs. Cavaliers in the favor of Cleveland. The Cavaliers hit 11 three-pointers in that second quarter, which allowed them to take a commanding lead. The Cavaliers played 10 players, and 9 hit a three-pointer in the second quarter. However, Tyler Herro’s play kept this Heat team in the game. Herro ended the half with 15 points. The Cavs led 68-51 at halftime.
Third and Fourth Quarter
In the third quarter, it was the Davion Mitchell and Herro show. Miami went on a massive run to cut into Cleveland’s 18-point deficit. The Heat trimmed the lead down to two points in the fourth quarter. The Heat’s Mitchell came up quickly, hitting timely shots and helping Herro keep the team in the game. However, it was then the Cavaliers Mitchell’s turn to take over the game. Donovan Mitchell scored 17 points in the fourth quarter, leading the Cavaliers to victory. Game 2 went to Cleveland in a 121-112 victory.
Miami Heat vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Game 2 Conclusion
The Cavaliers withstood the massive Heat run in the fourth quarter to secure a 2-0 lead. Head Coach Erik Spoelstra inserted Davion Mitchell into Miami’s starting lineup. Mitchell brought energy and big shots when it mattered. However, the difference in game two was that Donovan Mitchell understood what time it was, and the team defense played by the Cavs down the stretch. The Heat vs. Cavaliers series now switches to Miami. The Heat will look to sneak out of Game 3 and gain momentum in this series.
