The Cleveland Cavaliers are heading to the second round of the NBA Playoffs — and they’re doing it in style. With a dominant 102–95 win in Game 4, the Cavs completed a 4–0 sweep of the Miami Heat, marking their first playoff series win since the LeBron James era and sending a clear message to the rest of the Eastern Conference: they’re for real.
From the jump, Cleveland came out locked in on both ends of the floor. Led by the electric backcourt duo of Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland, the Cavs showed no signs of letting up. Mitchell finished with 28 points, 7 assists, and 4 rebounds, while Garland added 19 points and orchestrated the offense with poise and pace.
But this sweep wasn’t just about scoring. It was about Cleveland’s suffocating defense, which stifled the Heat throughout the series. Evan Mobley was a defensive anchor all series long, altering shots at the rim and switching seamlessly on pick-and-rolls. In Game 4, Mobley recorded 4 blocks and 2 steals, making life miserable for Miami’s scorers.
Jarrett Allen also continued his quietly dominant campaign, grabbing 14 rebounds and providing key second-chance opportunities. And on the perimeter, Isaac Okoro and Caris LeVert brought intensity and hustle, consistently disrupting Miami’s rhythm and forcing tough looks.
For Miami, this was a bitter end to a tough season. After reaching the NBA Finals last year, the Heat struggled to find consistency all season long, and the playoff stage didn’t bring out their best. Jimmy Butler’s absence loomed large, and while Bam Adebayo fought valiantly with a 21-point, 12-rebound performance in Game 4, it wasn’t enough to overcome Cleveland’s balance and energy.
Tyler Herro tried to shoulder more of the offensive load, chipping in 18 points, but Miami shot just 42% from the field and 26% from three-point range — numbers that simply won’t get it done against a locked-in Cavs squad.
Cleveland, meanwhile, has every reason to celebrate. This sweep marks a significant milestone for a franchise that has spent the last few years rebuilding and re-establishing its identity post-LeBron. With a young core, depth across the roster, and a coach in J.B. Bickerstaff who has this group bought in, the Cavs are not just here to participate — they’re here to compete.
Now, they turn their focus to the next challenge: the winner of the Indiana Pacers vs. Milwaukee Bucks series, which is currently tied 2–2. Both potential matchups bring different dynamics — a high-paced offensive battle with the Pacers, or a physical war against Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks. Either way, the Cavs will be rested, confident, and ready.
This postseason is starting to feel like Cleveland’s coming-of-age moment. The league is watching, and after this sweep, they’d be wise to take the Cavs seriously.
Round 2 awaits — and the Cavs are charging in with all the momentum. 👀
