The Miami Heat vs Cleveland Cavaliers Match Player Stats off in an electrifying first-round playoff series in April 2025, with the Cavaliers dominating the No. 8 seed Heat to complete a historic sweep. This article breaks down the player stats, key performances, and memorable moments from this lopsided NBA playoff series. Whether you’re a die-hard basketball fan or just curious about the numbers, we’ll keep it simple, engaging, and easy to follow for readers of all ages. Let’s dive into the stats and stories behind the Miami Heat vs. Cleveland Cavaliers matchups!
Overview of the 2025 Playoff Series
The 2025 NBA Eastern Conference First Round pitted the No. 1 seed Cleveland Cavaliers (64-18 regular season record) against the No. 8 seed Miami Heat (37-45). The Cavaliers, led by stars like Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley, were the clear favorites, while the Heat relied on veterans like Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo to pull off an upset. However, Cleveland’s dominance was undeniable, culminating in a 138-83 blowout in Game 4—the third-most lopsided game in NBA playoff history.
Here’s a quick recap of the series:
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Game 1 (April 20, 2025): Cavaliers 121, Heat 100
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Game 2 (April 23, 2025): Cavaliers 121, Heat 112
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Game 3 (April 26, 2025): Cavaliers 124, Heat 87
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Game 4 (April 28, 2025): Cavaliers 138, Heat 83
The Cavaliers’ +122 point differential across the four games set a record for the most lopsided series in NBA playoff history. Let’s break down the player stats and what made this series so unforgettable.
Key Player Stats: Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavaliers showcased a balanced attack, with their starters and bench players stepping up big time. Here’s a look at the standout performers based on available data from the series.
Donovan Mitchell
Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland’s All-Star guard, was a force throughout the series. In Game 1, he dropped 30 points, proving his ankle was ready for playoff action. In Game 3, despite a quieter scoring night with only 6 points, his playmaking and leadership were evident, as the Cavs didn’t need his full scoring output to dominate. In Game 4, Mitchell contributed 13 points and 3 assists by halftime alone, setting the tone for the historic blowout. His ability to score, distribute, and lead was crucial to Cleveland’s success.
Jarrett Allen
Center Jarrett Allen was a beast in the paint. In Game 3, he went a perfect 7-for-7 from the field, scoring 16 points, including four dunks, and grabbing rebounds with ease. In Game 4, he had 12 points and 11 rebounds by halftime, along with an impressive 6 steals, showcasing his defensive prowess. Allen’s dominance in the paint helped Cleveland outscore Miami by 30 points in the paint in Game 3 alone.
Evan Mobley
Fresh off being named the NBA Defensive Player of the Year—the first in Cavaliers franchise history—Evan Mobley was a defensive anchor. In Game 3, he had 9 points, 5 rebounds, and a key block that sparked a transition score. In Game 4, he added 10 points and 5 rebounds by halftime, proving his value on both ends of the court. Mobley’s ability to shut down Miami’s offense was a major factor in the Cavs’ sweep.
De’Andre Hunter
De’Andre Hunter emerged as a surprising star, especially in Games 3 and 4. He dropped 16 points in Game 3, tying Allen for the team high, and followed it up with a game-high 18 points by halftime in Game 4. Hunter’s scoring efficiency and defensive hustle made him a key contributor, with a +25 plus-minus in Game 3 alongside Ty Jerome.
Ty Jerome
The Cavaliers’ bench was a game-changer, and Ty Jerome was a standout. Across the series, he recorded an incredible +88 plus-minus in just 92 minutes of play, one of the most impressive stats of the series. In Game 3, Jerome dished out 7 assists and scored 4 points in the first half, helping Cleveland build a 50-32 lead. His playmaking and energy off the bench were critical, especially in Game 4, where the Cavs’ bench outscored Miami’s entire team (73 bench points vs. 83 total points for the Heat).
Max Strus
Max Strus, a former Heat player, made a statement against his old team. In Game 3, he hit three 3-pointers for 9 points, contributing to Cleveland’s 62-42 halftime lead. Beyond his on-court impact, Strus sent a motivational text to the team before Game 4, reminding them to stay focused and avoid complacency in a close-out game. His leadership, backed by his playoff experience, was praised by teammates like De’Andre Hunter.
Other Contributors
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Isaac Okoro and Craig Porter Jr. made key plays in Game 4, with Okoro hitting a 27-foot three-pointer and Porter Jr. contributing multiple baskets, including a 9-foot jumper.
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Sam Merrill added back-to-back 3s in Game 4, helping Cleveland stretch their lead to 98-53 in the third quarter.
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Tristan Thompson and Javonte Green also chipped in with timely baskets, further showcasing the Cavs’ depth.
The Cavaliers’ bench outscored Miami’s by a wide margin, and their team-oriented play overwhelmed the Heat’s defense. Cleveland averaged 123.2 points per game in their last five matchups against Miami, including these playoff games, going 5-0 in that span.
Key Player Stats: Miami Heat
The Heat struggled to find their rhythm against Cleveland’s suffocating defense and relentless offense. Here’s a breakdown of their key players’ performances.
Tyler Herro
Tyler Herro, known for his trash-talking during the series, had a tough time backing it up. In Game 4, he shot a dismal 1-for-10 from the field, including 1-for-9 from three, finishing with just 4 points and a -44 plus-minus—the worst in the series. Across the four games, Herro’s -87 plus-minus in 145 minutes highlighted his struggles against Cleveland’s defense. However, he did have a bright spot in Game 2, where he scored 33 points, though it wasn’t enough to secure a win.
Bam Adebayo
Bam Adebayo, the Heat’s All-Star center, had moments of brilliance but couldn’t match Cleveland’s frontcourt. In Game 3, he hit a shot to briefly stop a 33-5 Cavaliers run, but Miami still trailed 39-26. In Game 4, he managed an and-1 play, but his overall impact was limited as the Heat were outclassed in the paint. Adebayo’s rebounding and defensive presence were overshadowed by Cleveland’s dominance.
Jaime Jaquez Jr.
Jaime Jaquez Jr. showed flashes of potential but struggled with consistency. In Game 4, he missed a 23-foot three-pointer and a driving layup, though he did connect on a 4-foot two-point shot. His efforts weren’t enough to spark a Heat comeback, as Cleveland’s defense stifled Miami’s offense.
Pelle Larsson
Rookie Pelle Larsson had a highlight in Game 4, hitting a 25-foot three-pointer assisted by Jaquez Jr., but he also had a driving layup blocked by Craig Porter Jr. The Heat’s younger players showed effort, but they were no match for Cleveland’s experience and depth.
Other Contributors
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Duncan Robinson, Nikola Jovic, Kyle Anderson, Haywood Highsmith, and Kel’el Ware were part of Miami’s rotation, but their stats were limited as the Heat were overwhelmed.
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The Heat shot poorly as a team, hitting just 9 shots in the first half of Game 4 and going 7-for-14 from three in Game 3, with little else falling.
Miami’s offense struggled to find open looks, and their defense couldn’t stop Cleveland’s relentless attack. The Heat’s 37-point loss in Game 3 was their worst in franchise playoff history—until Game 4’s 55-point defeat set a new low.
Game-by-Game Highlights and Stats
Let’s take a closer look at how the stats unfolded in each game, based on available data from NBA.com, ESPN, and other sources.
Game 1: Cavaliers 121, Heat 100 (April 20, 2025)
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Key Moment: Donovan Mitchell’s 30-point performance set the tone, with Cleveland jumping out to an early lead.
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Cavs Stats: Efficient scoring from Mitchell and contributions from the bench, including Craig Porter Jr., helped secure a comfortable win.
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Heat Stats: Miami struggled defensively, allowing 121 points while failing to match Cleveland’s intensity.
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Notable: The Cavs’ balanced attack and strong defense gave them a 2-0 series lead at home.
Game 2: Cavaliers 121, Heat 112 (April 23, 2025)
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Key Moment: Tyler Herro’s 33 points kept Miami competitive, but Cleveland’s depth, led by Mitchell’s 30 points, proved too much.
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Cavs Stats: Jarrett Allen and De’Andre Hunter controlled the paint, while the bench added crucial points.
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Heat Stats: Herro’s scoring outburst was a highlight, but Miami’s defense couldn’t stop Cleveland’s offense.
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Notable: The Cavs learned from a slow start and tightened their defense in the second half to pull away.
Game 3: Cavaliers 124, Heat 87 (April 26, 2025)
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Key Moment: Despite missing Darius Garland due to a sprained toe, the Cavs dominated with a 62-42 halftime lead. Jarrett Allen’s perfect shooting and De’Andre Hunter’s 16 points led the way.
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Cavs Stats: Allen (16 points, 7-for-7), Hunter (16 points), and Mobley (9 points, 5 rebounds) overwhelmed Miami. Ty Jerome’s 7 assists off the bench were key.
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Heat Stats: Miami shot poorly, with Herro going 1-for-5 and posting a -26 plus-minus in just 11 minutes.
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Notable: Cleveland’s 30-point advantage in the paint and a 33-5 run buried the Heat.
Game 4: Cavaliers 138, Heat 83 (April 28, 2025)
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Key Moment: The Cavs led 72-33 at halftime, the third-largest halftime lead in NBA playoff history. A 55-point final margin made it the third-most lopsided playoff game ever.
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Cavs Stats: De’Andre Hunter (18 points), Donovan Mitchell (13 points, 3 assists), Jarrett Allen (12 points, 11 rebounds, 6 steals), and Evan Mobley (10 points, 5 rebounds) dominated by halftime. The bench, led by Ty Jerome’s +88 series plus-minus, scored 73 points.
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Heat Stats: Tyler Herro’s 1-for-10 shooting and -44 plus-minus epitomized Miami’s struggles. The team scored just 83 points total.
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Notable: Max Strus’ pre-game text message motivated the Cavs to avoid complacency, leading to a historic rout.
Why the Cavaliers Dominated
The Cavaliers’ sweep wasn’t just about individual talent—it was about teamwork, depth, and preparation. Here are the key factors:
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Bench Production: Cleveland’s bench outscored Miami’s by a wide margin, with 73 bench points in Game 4 alone. Ty Jerome’s +88 plus-minus and Sam Merrill’s timely 3s were game-changers.
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Defensive Dominance: Evan Mobley’s Defensive Player of the Year caliber play, combined with Jarrett Allen’s steals and blocks, stifled Miami’s offense. The Heat shot poorly, especially in Games 3 and 4.
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Leadership and Focus: Max Strus’ motivational text before Game 4, as noted by De’Andre Hunter, kept the Cavs locked in. Their 64-18 regular season record showed they were built for the playoffs.
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Miami’s Struggles: The Heat, with a 37-45 record, were outmatched. Tyler Herro’s poor shooting and Miami’s inability to compete in the paint sealed their fate.
Standout Miami Heat vs Cleveland Cavaliers Match Player Stats and Records
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Cleveland’s +122 point differential across the series was the most lopsided in NBA playoff history.
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Game 4’s 55-point margin was the third-largest in a single playoff game.
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Game 4’s 39-point halftime lead was the third-largest in playoff history.
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Ty Jerome’s +88 plus-minus in 92 minutes was a remarkable stat for a bench player.
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Miami’s 55-point loss in Game 4 was the worst in their playoff history, surpassing their 37-point loss in Game 3.
What’s Next for Miami Heat vs Cleveland Cavaliers Match Player Stats Both Teams?
The Cavaliers advanced to the Eastern Conference Semifinals to face the winner of the Indiana Pacers vs. Milwaukee Bucks series. Their depth, defense, and star power make them a championship contender. For the Heat, the series exposed their need for roster upgrades. With a 37-45 regular season and a playoff sweep, Miami faces tough questions heading into the offseason.
Where to Find Full Miami Heat vs Cleveland Cavaliers Match Player Stats
For detailed box scores, including minutes played, field goal percentages, and more, check out:
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NBA.com: Full player box scores and shot charts for each game (April 20, 23, 26, and 28, 2025).
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ESPN: Game summaries and highlights for Games 1, 2, and 4.
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Sofascore: Live scores, stats, and video highlights for the April 28 game.
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Basketball-Reference.com: Series summary and head-to-head stats.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Miami Heat vs Cleveland Cavaliers Match Player Stats playoff series was a masterclass in dominance by the Cavaliers. From Donovan Mitchell’s scoring to Evan Mobley’s defense and Ty Jerome’s bench heroics, Cleveland showcased why they were the No. 1 seed. For the Heat, Tyler Herro’s struggles and Miami’s lack of answers in the paint highlighted a tough postseason. This series will be remembered for its historic blowouts and Cleveland’s relentless pursuit of a championship.