Like the other favorites in the East, the riders did the job by winning 121-100 against the Heat during this first round. But the score is somewhat trompe-l'oeil since the players of Erik Spoelstra have forced Cleveland to release the very big game, especially in the last quarter.
At first, the Heat resisted the big start of the Cavs (14-5), to the point of taking the advantage in the middle of the first quarter thanks to Andrew Wiggins (18-16). Darius Garland quickly reacted with four consecutive points to restore the advantage to Cleveland. The Cavs even finished the quarter on an 11-5 to lead seven points at the end of the first quarter (31-24).
Heat clings with its 3-point address and offensive rebounds
Cleveland began to widen the gap in the second quarter, bringing its advance to 16 points. But the Heat, faithful to its reputation, did not fall for it, and a 9-2 signed in two minutes of the Herro-Robinson duo again allowed to limit the breakage to the break (62-54). Same scenario in the 2nd half with horsemen always close to doing the station wagon, and a Heat capable of picking up the score thanks to its 3-point address, “stops” and especially its domination in the offensive rebound, like this Dunk of Kel'el Ware after a mischief of Herro (72-65).
It is ultimately Ty Jerome who will decide the fate of the meeting. On a “floater”, it was first he who gives 10 points ahead (89-79) then when the Heat closes access to the circle, he continues the 3-points with incredible ease. As a result, it plants 16 of its 28 points in the last quarter, including the 3-point which definitively knocks Miami four minutes from the end (111-94). By Tyler Herro, the Heat tries a final baroud of honor, but it is Garland who takes over, very, very far, for a final victory 121-100.
What to remember
Donovan Mitchell is fine. Uncertain, Mitchell reassured everyone with his 30 points and 4 interceptions. A habit for him since it is the 7th series in a row that he begins with a match at 30 points and more. Only Michael Jordan did so well!
The rebound, always the rebound … As we had explained in our presentation of the series, the weak point of the riders is in the rebound. Confirmation this night since the Heat captured 11 offensive rebounds, and registered 17 points on “second chances”.
An ineffective area. Erik Spoelstra tried in 4th quarter to disturb the riders with an area. Except that in Cleveland, we know how to defend in the zone, but also attack them. Result, the experience turned short.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
How to read the stats? Min = minutes; Shots = successful shots / tempted shots; 3pts = 3-point / 3-point attempted; LF = Successful free throws / tempted free throws; O = offensive rebound; D = defensive rebound; T = total rebounds; PD = assists; FTE: Personal faults; Int = interceptions; BP = lost bullets; CT: against; +/- = Differential points when the player is on the field; Pts = points; EVAL: evaluation of the player calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
