Cavaliers Secure Playoffs Spot with Win Over Heat

The Cleveland Cavaliers secured their position in the NBA playoffs with a narrow 112-107 victory over the Miami Heat, marking their 12th consecutive win and making them the first team to clinch a playoff spot this season. Donovan Mitchell led the Cavaliers with 26 points, while Bam Adebayo scored a season-high 34 points for Miami. Despite the Heat's short-handed roster due to several key players being unavailable, they held a lead until the final minutes before the Cavaliers rallied. This victory continues Cleveland's impressive season, which includes three separate 12-game winning streaks, a feat only matched by the 2006-07 Dallas Mavericks. The Cavaliers now have a record of 52-10 and lead the Eastern Conference, maintaining an 8-game lead over the Boston Celtics. Although clinching a playoff berth is a significant milestone, Mitchell emphasized that the team has larger aspirations beyond just making the playoffs.