The Cleveland Cavaliers didn't just win Game 2 of their series against the Miami Heat. They did it in a way that will go down in NBA history. The franchise signed an explosive second quarter with 11 three-pointers, setting a new postseason record for a single quarter. But beyond the statistics, what was experienced on the court was a demonstration of character, led by Donovan Mitchell, who was on fire at the most tense moment of the game.
A Second Quarter That Made History
Rarely does a team manage to completely shake the rhythm of a game with a single run, but that's exactly what the Cavaliers did. After a somewhat even first quarter, Cleveland exploded offensively in the second with scoring that bordered on the unreal.
In those 12 minutes they made 11 three-pointers, surpassing any previous playoff record since play-by-play records have been kept. What was impressive was the efficiency: 11 hits on just 16 attempts, with most coming after well-executed ball movement.
That quarter was not only a demonstration of scoring, but also of confidence and team chemistry. Players like Darius Garland, Caris LeVert and Max Strus joined the festival from the perimeter, taking advantage of every space Miami's defense left. It was a storm of three-pointers that unleashed euphoria in the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, while artificial snow fell from the roof to celebrate the "Cavalanche".
Donovan Mitchell, The One Who Does Not Shake
Despite the historic first half, the duel was far from settled early. Miami, led by Tyler Herro, found rhythm in the third quarter and gradually reduced the lead. The pressure grew, the crowd held its breath and the Cavaliers seemed to lose steam. That's when the usual guy showed up.
Donovan Mitchell returned to do what he does best: carry the team on his shoulders. He scored 17 of his 30 points in the final quarter, with shots that came just as the Heat were getting dangerously close.
Every time Miami got within striking distance, Mitchell responded. He hit two consecutive three-pointers to stop the momentum and then sealed the night with impossible-to-defend jump shots. He finished with six rebounds, six assists and the steady look of someone who knows this is his moment.
The most outstanding feature was his calmness. He didn't force plays, he didn't look for unnecessary protagonism. He simply knew when to attack and how to close out a game that could have gotten out of hand for Cleveland. The "Playoff Spida" showed up just when they needed him the most.
An Advantage Worth Gold
With this victory, the Cavaliers are 2-0 in the first round series against Miami. And although the games were very different from each other, this second game shows that the team knows how to react both collectively and individually.
Statistically, the odds are on their side. Teams that win the first two games of a home-and-home series in the first round of the playoffs have a very favorable historical record. And while that doesn't guarantee anything, it does give them a huge mental advantage for what's ahead.
In addition to the record three-pointers, it should be noted that other players responded to the demand. Evan Mobley scored 20 points with great effectiveness in the paint, and Garland contributed 19 points and nine assists, showing his usual vision of the game.
On the Miami side, the effort was remarkable. Herro scored 33 points and kept the Heat alive almost single-handedly in some passages. The defense was more aggressive, there were tactical adjustments and the starting lineup was changed. But nothing was enough to stop the intensity of the Cavaliers who still believe in their project.
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What's Next in the Series
The series now moves to Miami, where Game 3 will be played on Saturday afternoon. It will be a different challenge for the Cavs, who will be looking to steal at least one as visitors to leave the series almost defined.
We will have to see how the Heat respond playing at home and with the urgency of not being on the ropes. What is certain is that they will need more offensive support around Herro and a defense that does not allow comfortable shots from the three-point line.
For their part, Cleveland will be looking to maintain their confidence without over-relaxing. They have already shown that they can score in bursts and that they have a player capable of deciding in the most complicated moments. If that holds, the series could be over sooner than many expected.
The playoffs have just begun, but the Cavs have already left a mark to remember. Not only because of the record, but also because of the way they showed that, with accuracy and character, they can be a very difficult opponent to beat.
