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Cavs vs. Heat: Game 2 Halftime Dribbles

Originally posted on Hoops Wire | By Sam Amico | Last updated Apr 23, 2025 9:05 PM ET

A few halftime dribbles/observations from the Cavaliers’ Game 2 vs. the Heat …

1. For as good as the Cavs are offensively, it was the defense that got them going — and resulted in some easy transition baskets. None were more impressive than the Jarrett Allen block that led to a fastbreak alley-oop dunk to Donovan Mitchell (via Darius Garland).

2. So the Cavs turned an uninspiring 13-5 deficit into a 25-24 lead at the end of the first. They lead 68-51 at the intermission. Yes, one half of playoff basketball — and 68 points.

3. Then came a second-quarter avalanche that involved Max Strus, Ty Jerome (who else?) and De’Andre Hunter. Yes, Hunter. Boy oh boy was it nice to see him get going after his scoreless performance in Game 1.

The Heat very clearly wanted to make life more difficult for Ty Jerome. He’s having none of it.

— Sam Amico (@AmicoHoops) April 24, 2025

4. What I like most so far is that the Cavs’ so-called role players (Isaac Okoro, Sam Merrill, Strus) have been knocking down their chances. Overall, Cleveland had 10 threes in the first eight minutes of the second quarter.

5. If the ball continues to move, and the defense stays this energized, the end of the Cavs’ bench will get some minutes. Because it will be Garbage Time City.

6. Strus has 12 points, Mitchell and Evan Mobley 10, and Garland nine. Hunter scored eight, all in the second quarter.

7. Two other items of note: a) The Cavs’ 11 threes in the second were a franchise record for treys in a playoff quarter. b) I’ve been doing this for 17 years and today was the first time it snowed in the arena. That was by design — to represent the “Cavalanche” taking place. I liked it.

As always, I’ll have more Dribbles and other stuff after the game. Thanks for following along.

This article first appeared on Hoops Wire and was syndicated with permission.

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