In a commanding display, Kyle Lowry showcased his scoring prowess with a season-high 28 points, sinking seven 3-pointers, as the Miami Heat (10-5) obliterated the Cleveland Cavaliers (8-7) 129-96 on Wednesday.
Exploiting the Cavaliers’ second night of a back-to-back, the Heat established a 19-point lead in the first half and never relinquished control, securing their ninth win in the last 10 games.
Rookie Jaime Jaquez Jr. delivered his best performance to date, contributing 22 points with the Heat reserves dominating the entire fourth quarter.
The Cavaliers, riding a four-game winning streak, found their momentum halted by the Heat’s relentless attack.
Playing the second night of a back-to-back after an overtime victory in Philadelphia, Cleveland struggled with fatigue.
Darius Garland scored 14 points, and Evan Mobley added 13, but the Cavaliers couldn’t overcome the Heat’s offensive onslaught.
Facing a 22-point deficit entering the fourth quarter, Cavaliers coach J.B. Bickerstaff opted to rest his starters, acknowledging the toll of the previous night’s overtime battle.
Rookie Craig Porter Jr. stepped up with a team-high 16 points in his first career start.
Both teams were without their key players, with Adebayo sidelined due to a left hip bruise, and the Cavaliers missing Donovan Mitchell for the fourth consecutive game as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury.
The third quarter saw Miami extend its lead with five additional 3-pointers, including two from Lowry, pushing the score to 101-79 by the end of the period.
