Miami, Fla. — The Cleveland Cavaliers left no doubt as they completed a commanding sweep of the Miami Heat in the first round of the NBA playoffs with a stunning 138-83 victory in Game 4 on Monday night. This decisive win marked the largest margin of victory in Cavaliers playoff history and the second time in coach Erik Spoelstra’s tenure with Miami that the Heat have been swept.
Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson expressed pride in his team’s performance, highlighting their composure and teamwork throughout the series. “We came out here with the right mentality,” he said, noting the importance of leadership and focus. “There’s a strong connection among the players that shows in our play. Everyone is following the right message.”
Despite concerns about the potential for a tight contest, early action on the court quickly dispelled those notions. Cleveland established dominance from the outset, with a breakaway dunk from center Jarrett Allen on Miami’s first possession. The Cavs never trailed, maintaining momentum with unyielding defense and efficient offense that stifled Miami’s chances.
The Heat struggled early on, recording just 17 points in the first quarter—their lowest total in any quarter this season. This dismal performance extended throughout the game, as the Cavaliers surged to a 72-33 lead by halftime, showcasing their capabilities on both ends of the court.
Cleveland’s effective execution continued for the entire game, with key players maintaining intensity even while enjoying a commanding lead. Donovan Mitchell, who led the team with 22 points, emphasized the need to stay focused despite the score. “Desperation drives us; we know how quickly a series can turn,” he said, recalling last season’s struggles on the road. “We want to keep pushing and remain vigilant.”
Hailing from the bench, De’Andre Hunter contributed 19 points, while Ty Jerome added another 18, capped by a remarkable 37-foot buzzer-beater at the end of the third quarter. The Cavaliers shot an impressive 56.8% from the field and 48.8% from beyond the arc, achieving a franchise playoff record with their 138 points.
In contrast, Miami’s efforts fell flat, with Nikola Jovic leading the Heat with 24 points. Tyler Herro struggled significantly, managing only four points and missing nine of ten shots during his 30 minutes on the floor, contributing to a disappointing team performance.
Cleveland’s sweep was a testament to its readiness for deeper playoff challenges. The Cavaliers dominated the four-game series, finishing with a 122-point differential—the highest ever recorded in an NBA playoff series. The franchise’s resounding win raises questions about their trajectory, as they now aim for the Eastern Conference title.
Next up, the Cavaliers will face the winner of the ongoing series between the Indiana Pacers and the Milwaukee Bucks, with the start date expected to be announced shortly. Indiana currently leads that series, 3-1, as it heads into Game 5 on Tuesday night.