Cavs Hold Off Heat To Book NBA Playoff Berth

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The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Miami Heat 112-107 to earn their playoff ticket on Wednesday, earning a grueling 26-point victory.

After extending a seven-point lead late in the fourth quarter, the Heat threatened to end their 11-game unbeaten streak in a see-saw battle in Cleveland.

In the final moments, the Cavs resurrected the deficit to claim their 12th straight victory and playoff spot.

With 20 games left in the regular season, the Cavaliers’ 52-10 record keeps them in control of the Eastern Conference.

Andrew Wiggins, Kel’el Ware, and Jaime Jaquez Jr. were among six Cleveland players who recorded double-figures in the match.

Mitchell was backed by Evan Mobley for 16 points and 13 rebounds, while Darius Garland forethrew 15 points and 10 rebounds. With a game-high 34 points, Jame Adebayo was among Miami’s scorers.

Mitchell, a Cleveland talisman, could not find comfort in the victory, though.

We locked down and made mistakes, but we’ve got to be better, Mitchell said. “It’s always good to learn through a win, though.”

Cleveland becoming the first team to reach the postseason, Mitchell downplayed.

It’s undoubtedly a blessing and a testament to our perseverance, Mitchell said. “We still have a lot more to accomplish than we were able to do it for the crowd,” said one participant.

The Boston Celtics, Cleveland’s closest rival, defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 128-118 with a pair of incredible 40-pointers from Derrick White and Payton Pritchard.

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“I’m fortunate to have them.”

The Oklahoma City Thunder’s Aaron Wiggins #2, Jaylin Williams #6, Jalen Williams #8, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 look on after the game against the Memphis Grizzlies on March 5, 2025 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. (Photo by Joe Murphy/ NBAE/Getty Images/Getty Images via AFP)

White recorded a shooting masterclass that included 10 three-pointers from 16 attempts, finishing with 41 points, while Pritchard recorded 43.

Joe Mazzulla, Boston’s coach, praised White and Pritchard’s double-act, “they were fantastic.” The way those two played, “is a big part of who they are.

They perform a lot of the dirty work. Therefore, it was beneficial for us to have a night like this where those two can demonstrate their abilities.

“We’re fortunate to have them,” he said, “and it’s really entertaining to watch them do that.”

With the victory, the Celtics improved to 44-18 overall and are now eight games adrift of Cleveland’s leaders.

The Oklahoma City Thunder overcame the Memphis Grizzlies to defeat them 120-103 in the Western Conference on the back of a 41-point performance from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Gilgeous-Alexander told ESPN, “I’m just having fun with the game, nothing more.” “I’m just trying to have fun and play free, trusting my team-mates, and working hard in the off-season,” he said.

Oklahoma City now leads the West by 11 games over the second-place Los Angeles Lakers, who improved to 51-11.

The Nuggets rallied in Denver to end the Sacramento Kings’ 116-110 run.

Denver’s scorers were led by Russell Westbrook, who added 24 points and Nikola Jokic, who added 22.

The Milwaukee Bucks continued to advance their dominance of the Eastern Conference with a 137-107 victory over the Dallas Mavericks elsewhere.

Giannis Antetokounmpo added 32 points, while Damian Lillard led the Bucks in scoring with 34. The Bucks remain fourth in the Eastern Conference with a season-high of 36-25.

The Minnesota Timberwolves won 125-110 against the Hornets in Charlotte with the help of Anthony Edwards and Jaden McDaniels, who each scored 29 points.