Cavaliers Defeat Heat 121-100 in Game 1 Playoff Opener

The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Miami Heat 121-100 in Game 1 of their first-round NBA Playoff series, taking a 1-0 lead. Donovan Mitchell led the Cavs with 30 points, tying Michael Jordan's record for consecutive 30-point performances in series openers, while Darius Garland added 27 points and Jarrett Allen contributed a double-double. Ty Jerome, recently named a finalist for Sixth Man of the Year, was pivotal in the fourth quarter, scoring 16 of his 28 points to help the Cavs pull away after Miami had kept the game close through the third quarter. The Heat, coming off a demanding play-in schedule, were led by Bam Adebayo's 24 points and Tyler Herro's 21, but could not match the Cavaliers' offensive depth and late-game execution. Cleveland's early leads, the crowd's energy, and Jerome's breakout playoff performance ultimately proved decisive. Game 2 will also be held in Cleveland as the Cavs look to build on their momentum.