Miami twists Cleveland in “money time”

In the final possession, Donovan Mitchell (16 points, 9 assists, 4 steals) thought he would send both teams into overtime, but his 3-point shot again proved inaccurate and the Heat breathed a sigh of relief.

Winner (100-97) of Riders ofEvan Mobley (19 points, 7 rebounds) and Darius Garland (16 points, 5 assists) in Ohio, the teammates of Jimmy Butler (23 points, 5 assists, 3 steals) and Bam Adebayo (18 points, 11 rebounds) therefore made their experience speak in hot moments, to get closer to their opponent’s 5th place in the standings.

WHAT YOU SHOULD REMEMBER

— The Butler/Adebayo duo takes care of everything in “money time”. Three minutes to play, 93-92 for the Cavaliers. It was then up to Bam Adebayo and Jimmy Butler to lead the Heat to victory. First with two baskets near the Adebayo circle, including one on a pass from Butler and another after an offensive rebound from the pivot. Then there’s a half-range basket and throws from Butler (admittedly a little awkward at the line). Equally important in blocking Cleveland forwards on defense, the two Miami All-Stars showed muscle in the final moments.

— A suffocating mano-a-mano. It’s an understatement to say that the two teams went blow for blow today, with ties and leader changes being army throughout the night, with a decision made on ultimate possession. A pleasant battle worthy of the playoffs between Cleveland and Miami, which could be presented next spring. For those who want it, this initial taste has definitely proved their desire…

TOPS/FLOPS

✅ Evan Mobley. Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland in the difficulty of shooting, it is the young interior of the Cavaliers, freshly selected for his second Rising Stars Challenge, responsible for guiding the Ohio franchise offensively, but also defensively (as in his habit). We will especially appreciate this energy, contagious, shown in his part to revive Cleveland in the third quarter, when Miami widened a good gap. Aggressive in scoring, Evan Mobley finished the game coming in with an impressive +/- of +16, due to the last gap, which was the best part of the Cavs and part of the Heat.

✅ Caleb Martin. It’s not the strongest name in the Florida workforce compared to Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, Tyler Herro or Kyle Lowry, but the winger is no less important to the Heat’s success. The proof was tonight, as his double-double (18 points, 10 rebounds) was crucial in this victory against the Cavaliers. Careful and unadorned (7/8 shooting, including 4/5 from 3-pointers), he took what the opposing defense left him and established himself as the perfect X factor in this game, important on both sides of the floor .

⛔ Cleveland’s 3-point address. In such a tight and indecisive matchup, shooting just 11/40 from behind the arc (28% success rate) was disabling. Especially when the Heat showed, for its part, a good 14/31 in the exercise (ie, 45% success) and has long relied on it to stay in touch and overcome its difficulties in marking in the paint. “Special” mentions to Donovan Mitchell (3/13) and Darius Garland (2/7), who have been pouring in non-stop from long range…

⛔ Miami’s Quarter Debut. The Heat were able to win with forceps, but the Heat also shot themselves in the foot a bit to start the game (lead 16-5), start the second period (lead 61-55) or start the fourth quarter ( lead 83-). 79), each time experiencing long minutes without scoring and dreaming of the ball. There was no consequence in the end, but the quarter-time starts had the merit of irritating Erik Spoelstra and giving the Cavaliers free ammunition to attack and get loose.

THE FOLLOWING

Cleveland (31-22) : reception of Memphis, in the evening from Thursday to Friday (01:30).

Miami (29-23) : travel to New York, Thursday night to Friday (1:30 am).