By Miguel Mike Medina
Photo Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
Miami Heat couldn’t slow down Cleveland Cavaliers hot shooting as they fall in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference First Round 121-100.
Cavaliers’ Ty Jerome was the unsung hero, scoring 28 points off the bench with five rebounds and three assists. Donovan Mitchell led the Cavs with 30 points. Darius Garland added 27 points and a double-double for Jarrett Allen.
Bam Adebayo led the Heat in scoring with 24 points, including nine rebounds, three assists, two blocks, and one steal. Tyler Herro added 21 points. Davian Mitchell had 19 points and nine assists. Andrew Wiggins added 14.
“Just mental errors we can cover up,” Herro said in the post-game interview. “The 2 days in between will give us time to watch film, have practice, and clean up the things that we need to clean up… that’s the beauty of a 7-game series, make some adjustments.”
Herro had a quiet second half. He scored 17 points in the first half but only four in the second. It’s the Heat’s fourth straight playoff loss by 10 points or more. The Heat will need Herro and Adebayo to carry this offense in this series.
The Heat may have felt fatigued entering this game after winning two road games against the Chicago Bulls and Atlanta Hawks. It’s not easy to go up against the No. 1 seed Cavs, who have too many weapons. The Cavs’ depth was too much for the Heat.
The Cavs bench was outstanding. Jerome was responsible for 28 of the Cavs’ 34 points. The Cavs have a great offense and defense. However, the Heat have a good coach in Erik Spoelstra, and he will do everything he can to improve for Game 2.
If you’re Herro, you can’t allow Jerome to outplay you in a playoff game after Game 1.
The Heat have players who can defend, and they have to neutralize Mitchell. When he goes off, it’s a nightmare for any team. Mitchell is a menace in Game 1 of the playoffs. He is second in NBA history in points per game in Game 1 (33.2), right after Michael Jordan (34.0).
Heat and Cavs will meet again in Game 2 on Wednesday night at 7:30 at Rocket Arena.
Miguel Mike Medina is the publisher of The MMM Journal. He can be reached at medinamiguelmike@gmail.com and themmmjournal@gmail.com
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