CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Cavs hold a 1-0 lead over the Miami Heat in their first-round playoff series, and Game 2 on Wednesday at Rocket Arena is set to tipoff at 7:30 p.m. Eastern on NBA TV.
While Cleveland controlled much of Game 1, both teams have spent the past two days sharpening their focus — for very different reasons.
For Miami and Erik Spoelstra, it was about soul-searching. After being overwhelmed physically and tactically in the series opener, the Heat were forced into reflection mode.
Despite shooting a respectable 48.8% from the field and 41.9% from 3, Miami’s offense felt like a grind. Each bucket was a product of effort rather than flow, with Tyler Herro’s 17-point first half standing as the main source of rhythm — one that vanished after halftime when Cleveland’s defensive adjustment muted him to just four points.
Davion Mitchell gave Miami a lift with 18 points, nearly doubling his season average, but he remains the Heat’s lone true point-of-attack defender — an unenviable mismatch against a Cavaliers backcourt that erupted in Game 1.
Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland and Ty Jerome each poured in at least 27 points, taking turns slicing through Miami’s perimeter coverage.
It’s hard to imagine that continuing — on either end.
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The Heat know they can’t allow Cleveland’s guards to dictate terms again, and Spoelstra will likely dial up a more aggressive scheme at the point of attack. Expect blitzes, stunts, and scrambles, anything to muddy Cleveland’s reads and redirect possessions toward less familiar hands.
But here’s the thing: that might actually play into Kenny Atkinson’s hands.
Game 2 could become a showcase for Cleveland’s depth, and more specifically, Evan Mobley’s evolution.
Mobley started Game 1 strong — 3 for 3 for seven points in the first quarter — but touched the ball sparingly afterward, attempting just seven more shots, six of which came in the third quarter. If Miami pressures the ball more aggressively and sells out to limit Mitchell and Garland, the Cavs will have opportunities to initiate offense through Mobley, where his face-up game, passing vision and grown scoring acumen can punish mismatches and late rotations.
Mobley’s involvement isn’t just a luxury. It’s a necessity.
As Cleveland eyes a deep playoff run, unlocking Mobley as a legitimate offensive threat becomes a long-term investment. His combination of finesse and physicality must become a foundational element for the Cavs to contend, not just a counterpunch.
Another swing factor for Cleveland: De’Andre Hunter.
The 3-and-D wing struggled offensively in Game 1, but the Cavs still see him as the connective tissue between the starting five and a championship-level ceiling. His defensive versatility remains elite, but a more assertive offensive showing — particularly against Miami’s smaller wings — could give Cleveland another weapon to lean on.
Atkinson and the staff understand the importance of Hunter’s rhythm, not just in this series, but as the postseason gauntlet tightens.
Ultimately, the Cavaliers have the depth advantage.
Miami played close to its offensive ceiling in Game 1 and still barely cracked 100 points. Cleveland, on the other hand, has multiple levers left to pull.
Look for Game 2 to serve as a measuring stick — not just for Cleveland’s control of the series, but for how wide their margin for error truly is.
The Cavs passed the first test. Now we see how they handle the adjustment game.
Spoelstra has rarely been outmaneuvered two games in a row. But Atkinson’s Cavaliers have shown they’re not just talented, they’re evolving.
Here’s what to know about the matchup:
Who: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Miami Heat
Series: Game 2.
Where: Rocket Arena
When: 7:30 p.m. ET.
The point spread: Cavs minus-11.5; O/U 211.5
TV: NBATV and FanDuel Sports Network - Ohio
Injury Report
CAVS:
None.
HEAT:
Out:
Kevin Love (personal); Terry Rozier (ankle)
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