Cavaliers rout Heat 124-87, take 3-0 series lead

The Cleveland Cavaliers took a commanding 3-0 lead over the Miami Heat in their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series with a 124-87 victory in Miami, marking the Heat’s worst playoff loss in franchise history. Cleveland dominated after an early Heat lead, responding with a massive run and never relinquishing control, despite missing All-Star guard Darius Garland due to injury. Jarrett Allen led the Cavaliers with 22 points, supported by strong performances from De’Andre Hunter, Evan Mobley, and Max Strus, while Miami struggled offensively aside from Bam Adebayo’s 22 points. The Cavaliers outscored the Heat 60-30 in the paint and had six players reach double figures. No NBA team has ever come back from a 3-0 deficit in a best-of-seven series, leaving the Heat on the brink of elimination. The loss extends Miami’s home playoff losing streak to seven games, dating back to May 2023.