It took a little bit, but the Heat’s defense finally showed up against the Cavaliers.
After allowing Cleveland (16-50) to make 55.6 percent of its shots in the first half, the Heat tightened things up to cruise past the Cavaliers 126-110 on Friday at AmericanAirlines Arena to kick off a season-long five-game homestand. It marked the Heat’s fourth consecutive win and franchise-best 16th consecutive win over the Cavaliers in Miami.
Cleveland was limited to 42.2 percent shooting over the final two quarters, as Miami (31-34) won the second half 69-53 to put an end to the back-and-forth nature of the game.