Donovan Mitchell Shuts the Door on Miami’s Comeback: Cavs Hold Off Heat in Game 2 Thriller to Take Commanding 2-0 Series Lead
What started as a comfortable lead nearly turned into disaster for the Cleveland Cavaliers — until Donovan Mitchell decided enough was enough.
The All-Star guard put the team on his back in crunch time, pouring in 30 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists to power the Cavaliers past a ferocious second-half surge by the Miami Heat. Cleveland took Game 2 of the first-round playoff series, 121-112, and now heads to South Beach with a commanding 2-0 series lead.
A Game of Runs
Cleveland came out with energy and purpose, building a double-digit lead behind sharp execution and balanced scoring. Darius Garland added 21 points and 9 assists, while Evan Mobley chipped in 20 points and knocked down a career-high 3 triples, giving the Cavs early control.
But the Heat, led by a red-hot Tyler Herro (33 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists), weren’t going quietly. Miami clawed back late in the third quarter and cut the lead to just four midway through the fourth, setting the stage for a nail-biting finish.
Mitchell’s Moment
With the game hanging in the balance, Mitchell took over.
He attacked mismatches, hit big-time shots, and showed the poise of a true closer. His back-to-back daggers — a pull-up three followed by a slashing layup through contact — gave Cleveland breathing room in the final minutes and silenced a surging Heat team.
“That’s what superstars do,” said head coach J.B. Bickerstaff postgame. “Donovan understands the moment. He thrives in it.”
Supporting Cast Stepping Up
Cleveland’s supporting cast delivered when it mattered most. Jarrett Allen provided key interior defense and rebounds down the stretch, while Caris LeVert and Max Strus offered timely buckets off the bench.
Garland’s playmaking was key in organizing the offense, and Mobley’s growing perimeter game gave Miami matchup headaches all night.
Heat’s Comeback Falls Short
Despite Herro’s explosive scoring and a near triple-double from Bam Adebayo (11 points, 14 rebounds, 9 assists), Miami couldn’t overcome its slow start. Duncan Robinson and Jaime Jaquez Jr. had quiet nights, and the Heat struggled to contain Cleveland’s ball movement and physicality inside.
Veteran Jimmy Butler, sidelined due to injury, watched from the bench — his presence sorely missed in critical moments.
Looking Ahead
The series now shifts to Miami for Games 3 and 4, where the Heat will try to regroup and get back into the fight. But with Mitchell playing at an elite level and Cleveland’s young core maturing quickly, the Cavs have momentum — and confidence — on their side.
“We know the job’s not done,” Mitchell said. “But we came here to win, and we’re not satisfied yet.”
Game 3 tips off Friday at 8:30 PM ET.
Cavaliers lead the series 2-0.
