The current hype train around the Cavaliers recent over-performance may have colored my prediction for this game just a bit. The Miami Heat are in the top three of the Eastern Conference for a reason and they showed that right from the starting tip. Three quick triples to start the game 9 – 0 served as a quick gut punch to the Cavs and despite a bit of push back Cleveland still ended the first quarter down 34 – 22.
A twelve point deficit is not a completely devastating start, but it is also less than ideal. Things looked better to start the second quarter and the Wine and Gold showed the typical fight we have grown used to as they quickly clawed back into the game.