Cleveland-cavaliers vs Miami Heat Picks and Predictions April 23rd 2025

Cavs’ Backcourt Dominance Fuels Game 1 Blowout, Eyes Repeat vs. Heat

The Cleveland Cavaliers made a statement in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference first-round series, and they did it behind the explosive play of their backcourt trio — Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, and Ty Jerome. With Game 2 tipping off Wednesday night in Cleveland, the Cavaliers will look to keep the foot on the gas against a Miami Heat squad desperate to respond.

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Cleveland’s Guards Torch Miami Defense

Mitchell, Garland, and Jerome combined for a blistering 85 points in Game 1 — more than two-thirds of Cleveland’s total offense. The trio’s mixture of slashing, shot-making, and composure carved up Miami’s defense, particularly in the fourth quarter when they tallied 27 points to close out a 121-100 win.

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“It’s the playoffs… the little things,” said Mitchell. “The 30 is cool, but it’s the steals, the hustle, the grit — that’s what takes us to the next level.”

Mitchell finished with 30 points and four steals, Garland dropped 27 with a physical edge, and Jerome shined with 28 points off the bench, including 16 in the fourth quarter. It was Jerome’s postseason debut and one of the highest-scoring bench outings in franchise playoff history.

“I’ve got great teammates, a great coaching staff, great fans,” Jerome said. “We did what we had to.”

Heat Searching for Defensive Answers

The Heat, who had their hands full trying to slow Cleveland’s All-Stars, now face questions across the board heading into Game 2. Miami got solid scoring from Bam Adebayo (24 points), Tyler Herro (21), and Davion Mitchell (18), but couldn’t contain the Cavs’ three-headed guard monster.

“You understand what it is, what they do,” a frustrated Adebayo said. “They try to make the right play every possession, so we can’t have lapses on any possession.”

Miami’s defensive rotations were a step slow, and their transition defense was porous — areas coach Erik Spoelstra will likely emphasize ahead of Wednesday’s rematch.

Cavs Win Despite Supporting Cast Struggles

What might concern the Heat even more? Cleveland still has room to improve. Evan Mobley had just nine points and seven boards, De’Andre Hunter was scoreless, and the bench outside of Jerome went a miserable 2-of-14 from the field. The Cavs also posted just 21 assists on 45 made shots — unusually low for the NBA’s top-ranked offense (121.9 PPG during the regular season).

Yet, thanks to their guards and a physical tone set early, they still rolled.

“We set the tone with our physicality,” Garland said. “Rebounding, cutting off lanes, everything was locked in.”

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Miami Missing Key Contributors

The Heat were already without veteran forward Kevin Love, and now must endure another loss with point guard Terry Rozier ruled out for Game 2 due to a sprained ankle. Rookie center Kel’el Ware also struggled in his playoff debut, finishing with just two points and three rebounds in 19 minutes.

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“You’re being fed through a fire hose,” Spoelstra said of Ware. “But we’re going to need him this series.”

What to Watch in Game 2

• Can Jerome Repeat? His Game 1 outburst was huge — but was it sustainable?
• Heat’s Defensive Adjustments: Will Spoelstra tighten the perimeter coverage or throw in zone looks?
• Frontcourt Battle: Adebayo held his own, but will Mobley and Allen respond?