The Land Before Time: Cavs Pre-Game Thoughts
April 28, 2025 vs Miami (Game 4)
Did you see it?? I sure hope you did. In Game 3, we all witnessed what the Cavs have done many times in the 2024-25 season, but not yet in this young playoff stretch. They played a game that showcases their many strengths and beat the Miami Heat in one of the biggest blowouts you will ever see in the NBA playoffs. Truly, it was glorious.
The Cavs now look to complete the sweep in Miami in Game 4, and if they play another game like they did in Game 3, confidence will be sky-high heading into the next round of a (hopefully) deep playoff run. In Miami on Saturday, the Cavs reminded us that they are one of the most complete teams in the NBA while also reminding us that they are fully capable of demonstrating that for four quarters. After a slow start that saw them down 15-6 after six minutes, they ripped off a 30-5 run and did not slow down until the end of the fourth quarter. It’s the kind of Cavalanche we saw a lot in the first half of the regular season, but sporadically in the second half. The hope now will be that this kind of performance becomes the norm in the playoffs.
Part of what makes the Cavs so good is their versatility. When one player is down, another picks up the slack. We talked about it all season, especially in regard to Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland. In Game 3, it was Jarrett Allen who answered the call, putting up a monster first quarter to propel the Cavs even as the rest of the roster was missing shots. Allen ended as the Cavs leading scorer in the game, finishing with 22 points to go with 10 rebounds.
Even the versatility of individual players was showcased. Ty Jerome had a +33 performance while only scoring 13 points. Stifled by the Heat defense, he shifted into distributor mode, finishing the game with a career high 11 assists. Elsewhere, Max Strus looked phenomenal in his postseason return to Miami, finishing with 18 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists. Strus quietly does it all for this Cavs team, providing a second engine that often propels a Cavalanche.
Finally, a shout out to Sam Merrill, who despite not scoring a single point, turned in a +3 performance and continued to impact the game with his defense. As the “It’s Cavalier Podcast” highlighted in their video after Game 1, Sam’s defense is underrated. His ball screen navigation is in the top 8% of the NBA, and his defense has disrupted the Heat’s ability to get open looks, especially Tyler Herro. In Game 3, Herro shot 5-for-13 for 13 points and struggled to find a rhythm.
The Cavs have a deep team. This is nothing new. However, when the roster showcases the versatility of their talents, the Cavs are nearly unbeatable. Value goes beyond just points and rebounds. If the Cavs continue to showcase their entire arsenal, Game 3 won’t be the last Cavalanche of these playoffs.
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