The Miami Heat came tantalizingly close to pulling off their most impressive win of the season but suffered yet another late-game collapse, falling 112-107 to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday night at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
Despite missing four key rotation players, including leading scorer Tyler Herro, the Heat played with grit and resilience, pushing the Eastern Conference-leading Cavaliers to the brink. However, a seven-point lead midway through the fourth quarter evaporated as Cleveland closed the game on a 12-2 run, leaving Miami frustrated and still searching for consistency in crunch time.
Bam Adebayo was phenomenal, posting a season-high 34 points, 12 rebounds, and five assists on 61.1 percent shooting. He also showcased an improved perimeter game, knocking down 3-of-5 from beyond the arc, including critical late-game baskets that momentarily kept Miami ahead.
“It’s tough when you’re down dudes and still have a chance to win, and it slips out of your hands,” Adebayo said postgame. “As you see, we can hang with the best of them.”
His presence was instrumental in a comeback effort after the Cavaliers stormed ahead 60-43 in the second quarter. Adebayo led a furious 16-2 run late in the first half, bringing Miami within striking distance at halftime, down 63-59.
The Heat took control early in the fourth quarter, thanks to clutch plays from Duncan Robinson and Haywood Highsmith. Robinson drained crucial jumpers, while Highsmith converted free throws and a key layup off a Kyle Anderson feed, pushing Miami ahead 98-91 with under six minutes remaining.
However, the Heat’s offense sputtered when it mattered most. Terry Rozier, who struggled mightily all night, missed two three-pointers, including an airball, while Robinson’s last-second attempt to tie the game was waved off as he had stepped out of bounds. That sequence sealed Miami’s fate, allowing Cleveland to close it out at the free-throw line.
“We’re right there in these games, but we have to figure out how to finish,” Robinson said. “Progress is sometimes painful, and this has been a painful process.”
With Herro, Andrew Wiggins, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Nikola Jovic all sidelined, Rozier was expected to be a key offensive weapon but endured a rough outing. He finished with just 12 points on a dismal 21.4 percent shooting, including 0-for-8 in the second half. His three turnovers also proved costly.
Robinson, despite the late-game heartbreak, was a bright spot, contributing 14 points on 50 percent shooting, including four made threes. Highsmith also delivered a solid two-way performance, tallying 13 points and making several crucial defensive plays in the fourth quarter. His chemistry with Anderson was evident, particularly on cuts to the basket.
Kevin Love made his long-awaited return to Cleveland, where he won an NBA title in 2016, and was honored with a tribute video. The Cavaliers faithful gave him a standing ovation, and Love acknowledged the crowd with gestures of appreciation.
“It was certainly emotional,” Love said. “Cleveland and Ohio will always mean a lot to me.”
On the court, Love contributed 10 points, six rebounds, and two blocks in 16 minutes, helping Miami stay competitive against Cleveland’s dominant frontcourt of Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley.
The Heat will have little time to dwell on this loss as they continue their road trip. While injuries have tested their depth, Miami has proven it can compete with the league’s elite. Now, the challenge is to turn close calls into victories.
“We’re going to break through,” Adebayo said. “We have to.”
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