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Cavs Dominate Heat in Game 1 Behind Ty Jerome’s Stunning Performance
The Cleveland Cavaliers began their playoff run with a 121-100 victory over the Miami Heat in Game 1. Ty Jerome was the star of the night, scoring 28 points in just 26 minutes off the bench. His performance was impressive, especially after an injury-riddled season that kept him sidelined last year.
Jerome Leads the Charge in the Fourth Quarter
In the final quarter, Jerome took over the game. He scored or assisted on 24 consecutive points. His shooting was sharp, hitting 5-of-8 from beyond the arc. One of his key shots came when he hit a three-pointer, breaking Miami’s zone defense and giving Cleveland a significant lead.
Strong Performances from Cleveland’s Starting Guards
Donovan Mitchell had a standout performance, putting up 30 points. He was nearly perfect, going 9-of-10 on two-point shots. His ability to finish at the rim was crucial for the Cavs. Meanwhile, Darius Garland contributed 27 points and five assists. He also hit five three-pointers, adding another layer to Cleveland’s offensive attack.
Cleveland’s Defense Shuts Down Tyler Herro
The Cavaliers focused on limiting Tyler Herro’s impact. He scored 17 points in the first half but struggled after halftime. Cleveland’s defense held him to just 21 points, and his shooting became inefficient in the second half.
Bam Adebayo Leads Heat but Struggles in the End
Bam Adebayo was Miami’s best player, finishing with 24 points and 9 rebounds. However, the Heat’s backcourt couldn’t keep up with Cleveland’s offense. The Cavs’ guard trio—Jerome, Mitchell, and Garland—made history by becoming only the fourth group of guards in NBA playoff history to score 25 or more points each in the same game.
Jerome’s Big Moment After Injury-Riddled Season
For Jerome, this game marked a career-defining moment. After missing most of last season due to injury, he showed his value to the team. Additionally, he was named a Sixth Man of the Year finalist earlier that day, proving his growth and importance to the Cavs.
Looking Ahead to Game 2
As the Cavs prepare for Game 2, they will look to build on this momentum. They will continue exploiting Miami’s defensive weaknesses, especially in the backcourt. The Heat, on the other hand, will need a better performance from their guards to avoid falling further behind in the series.
Read more about the Cavs’ upcoming playoff matchups.
