Cavs Finish Off Heat In Flurry Behind Mitchell, Garland And Jerome, Take 1-0 Series Lead

April 20, 2025

CLEVELAND — It seemed like whenever the Cavaliers needed a basket, Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, and Ty Jerome delivered. Like, every time.

Granted, there are many reasons the host Cavs defeated the Miami Heat 121-100 on Sunday to take a 1-0 series lead in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs. Many reasons, indeed. But those are three really big ones.

With the No. 1 seed and a week’s worth of practice in their pocket, the Cavs kept Miami at bay most of the night. Mitchell scored 30 and Garland had 27 points and five assists to lead the way — but as usual, the contributions came from everywhere.

The list included Ty Jerome, who was fairly masterful in the first playoff game of his career. Jerome was announced as a finalist for NBA Sixth Man of the Year before the game, and we saw why — as he played with the usual dose of confidence on his way to 28 points. He went 10-of-15 shooting along the way.

“Sixth Man of the Year in my opinion,” Garland said of Jerome.

Mitchell went 11-of-19 shooting and Garland 10-of-17.

Sam Merrill also played a big role in reserve, scrapping and clawing and just making winning plays.

Meanwhile, starters Jarrett Allen (12 points, 11 rebounds), Evan Mobley (nine points), and Max Strus (also nine) all had their critical moments at both ends.

And while the game was somewhat close for a while, a good old-fashioned Cavalanche doomed the Heat about midway through the fourth. Game. Set. Series advantage.

Game 2 is Wednesday night, also at Rocket Arena.

“Great teammates, great coaching staff,” Jerome said when it came to his performance. “It’s just one game. Gotta keep getting better. It’s gonna be a battle. They’re super physical. We have to just keep playing with pace.”

Cleveland led 87-79 at the end of the third quarter, seemingly in control at times but unable to pull away. The Heat just never die easily, man. Anyway, Mitchell (25) and Garland (21) scored 46 of the Cavs’ first 87.

Things were also pretty good at halftime, when the Cavaliers held a 62-54 advantage. It probably could’ve been more if it weren’t for the occasional defensive miscue. Mitchell had 15 points at the intermission, Garland 12.

The Cavs led 31-24 after the first quarter, with Mitchell’s eight points and Allen’s seven rebounds paving the way. That lead swelled to 53-38 with 5:30 to go in the first half after Garland and Strus hit a deep 3-pointers.