Cavs vs. Heat: Game 2 Set To Test Cleveland’s Killer Instinct, Miami’s Grit

Let’s be real. The Cavaliers have more talent. That was clear in Game 1 against the Miami Heat, and it’ll be clear again if they stay locked in. Cleveland rode the three-headed guard monster of Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, and — yes — Ty Jerome to the tune of 85 combined points. That’s not a typo. Ty Jerome, folks.

And still, Miami hung around.

You can thank Heat coach Erik Spoelstra for that. The man could coach a toaster into the Eastern Conference Finals. His team had played three postseason games in five nights, and they still came into Cleveland and made the Cavs sweat for a half. But it sure looked like the Heat emptied the clip.

Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo took half of Miami’s shots. Literally. They combined for 40 of the team’s 80 field goal attempts. That’s not sustainable offense — it’s desperation. Herro hit some tough ones. Bam got what he could. But if that’s the best Miami has, this series might not last long.

Still, the Heat have size, they have Spoelstra, and they have time to regroup. A few days off should help. Expect more defensive mixing, more physicality. Spo will pull every lever.

But if Cleveland gets even a C+ game from Evan Mobley, or if guys like De’Andre Hunter, Dean Wade, and Isaac Okoro stop blending into the background, this thing could be over quick.

The Cavs have the firepower. Now they just have to use all of it, or at least probably even more of it than last time.

Game 2 Info
Who: Cavaliers vs. Heat
Where: Rocket Arena, Cleveland, OH
When: 7:30 PM EST
TV: NBA TV, FanDuel Sports Network Cleveland
Line: Cavaliers -12

Expected Cavaliers Starting 5: Garland, Mitchell, Strus, Mobley, Allen
Cavs Injury Report: Not yet submitted

Expected Heat Starting 5: Herro, Burks, Wiggins, Adebayo, Ware
Heat Injury Report: Rozier (ankle) – OUT, Love (personal) – OUT

• Related | Cavs know rebounding must take another leap