The Cleveland Cavaliers secured their spot in the NBA playoffs after a gritty 112-107 victory over the Miami Heat on Tuesday night. The Heat, grappling with a depleted roster, struggled to sustain their lead in the final minutes of the game. The contest took place in Cleveland, a city where Kevin Love was warmly welcomed back by fans, marking his first game there since signing with Miami two years ago.
Miami faced significant challenges without several key players. Jaime Jaquez Jr., Nikola Jovic, Kel'el Ware, and Andrew Wiggins were all sidelined due to injuries. Additionally, Tyler Herro, the team's leading scorer, was absent due to a head cold. Despite these setbacks, Bam Adebayo shone brightly for the Heat, recording a season-high 34 points.
The Heat appeared poised for victory, leading 107-106 with just under three minutes remaining. However, they failed to score again as Cleveland's defense tightened. A crucial moment unfolded when Duncan Robinson's potential game-tying three-pointer was nullified after he stepped out of bounds with only 17.4 seconds left on the clock.
Kevin Love's return to Cleveland was a highlight of the evening. The 36-year-old received an enthusiastic ovation from Cavaliers fans, who remember his pivotal role in their 2016 NBA Championship triumph. However, Love's presence wasn't enough to tip the scales in Miami's favor.
The Cavaliers' victory was propelled by Donovan Mitchell's 26 points and Darius Garland's impressive 10 assists. Their combined efforts ensured Cleveland became the first team this season to clinch a playoff berth, marking a significant milestone for the franchise.
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