CLEVELAND — The Cavaliers are coming off a win, though it came with a warning related to their lack of defense, as they play the Miami Heat March 25 on the second night of a back-to-back at Rocket Arena.
The Cavs beat the Magic March 24, though Kenny Atkinson sounded the alarm bell due to Cleveland’s recent defensive issues.
The March 25 Cavs-Heat game is the first of back-to-back games between Cleveland and Miami, as they’ll also play March 27.
Follow along here for live score updates, analysis and highlights from the Cavs-Heat game at Rocket Arena. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m.
Donovan Mitchell leads Cavaliers back to tie Heat entering fourth quarter
Donovan Mitchell just went nuclear.
Led by a heat-check-like run by Mitchell, the Cavs ended the third quarter on a wild 23-8 run to tie it, 83-83, entering the fourth quarter.
Off of a jump ball with a few seconds left on the shot clock, Mitchell drained an off-balance, deep 3 that started a run that included several more quick 3s, all in succession, sending Rocket Arena into bedlam as the Cavs closed the gap in a hurry in the final few minutes of the quarter.
Mitchell and Sam Merrill combined for 24 points in the third quarter alone. The Cavs offense was brutally slow in the first half before Mitchell and Merrill started to bury everything from deep.
Cavs trim Heat lead to 10 as Sam Merrill warms up
The Cavs have shown signs of life for the first time tonight, cutting the Heat lead to 10, 75-65, with 5:36 left in the third quarter
Sam Merrill, who’s had a pretty rough night, drilled a 3 and then had added a layup in transition that counted due to goaltending to pull the Cavs within 10 points.
Merrill has hit 3 3s and scored 11 points in this quarter alone, and he now leads the Cavs with 18 points tonight.
Heat lead Cavs big in first half
That was officially one of the worst halves for the Cavs this season, and the Heat lead 63-47 at halftime.
The Cavs are shooting just 38 percent from the floor and 20 percent from 3-point range. Everything is clanking off the rim. Donovan Mitchell is 6-for-12 from the floor. Everyone else is 9-for-27 combined.
The Heat poured in 13 3s in the half, aided by the Cavs often being a step late in their rotations.
Kenny Atkinson was quite displeased with the defensive effort lat night against the Magic. Tonight hasn’t looked much different, and it’s been compounded with offensive struggles.
Heat lead Cavs by 18 in second quarter
The Cavaliers are sleep-walking through this game, and it’s giving Cavs fans nightmares.
The Heat lead 47-29 midway through the second quarter. This might end up being the worst offensive game fro the Cavs all season. They’re shooting 31 percent from the floor and they’ve hit only two of their 13 3s.
Keon Ellis and Thomas Bryant are a combined 0-for-7 tonight. Sam Merrill is 2-for-6. Nothing is falling, the Heat aren’t seeing much resistance on the defensive end, either.
Heat lead Cavs after first quarter
The Cavs trail the Heat 28-19 after the first quarter.
Cleveland hit only five shots from the floor and committed five turnovers. That quarter won’t be on any highlight reels.
Tyler Herro leads Miami with nine points on 3-for-4 shooting from the floor.
Cavs offense struggling vs Heat
The Cavs have had an ugly first quarter, and they’re probably lucky to only trail 19-15 late in the first quarter.
The Cavs are shooting just 27 percent (4-for-15) from the floor thus far. Evan Mobley, somehow, has yet to attempt a shot. Cleveland has many turnovers (four) as shots made.
Cavs, Heat score as Miami opens on 8-0 run
The Heat have opened up a 10-2 lead after the Cavs missed their first five shots of the game, a streak snapped by Donovan Mitchell’s jumper that made it 8-2 Miami.
Below is some pregame information.
Cavs starting lineup vs Heat
Heat starting lineup vs Cavs
Cavs injury report vs Miami Heat March 25; Dean Wade a late scratch
The Cavs will again be without center Jarrett Allen as he deals with knee injury. Jaylon Tyson (toe) and Max Strus (foot surgery management) are both out as well.
Larry Nance Jr. was questionable with an illness but is available.
Dean Wade, though, hurt his ankle during warmups and is a late scratch.
Cleveland Cavaliers game on TV. How can I watch, stream and listen to Cavs vs Heat tonight?
The March 25 game between the Cavs and Heat will be televised locally on the FanDuel Sports Network — Ohio. The local radio broadcast can be heard via WTAM (1100-AM) or WMMS (100.7-FM).
Ryan Lewis covers the Cleveland Guardians and Cavaliers for the Akron Beacon Journal. He can be reached at rlewis1@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Cleveland Cavs score, injury report vs Miami Heat at Rocket Arena
Reporting by Ryan Lewis, Akron Beacon Journal / Akron Beacon Journal
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