(Photo by David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH -- The Miami Heat showed up to Cleveland ready to go, jumping out to a 12 point lead to end the first quarter, and maintaining a double-digit lead for the remainder of the game. Rookie Kendrick Nunn had the hot hand for the visiting Heat, lighting up the Cavaliers for 23 points as Miami rolled past Cleveland 108-99.
Miami brought a 96-74 lead into the fourth quarter, before Kevin Love led a Cavaliers rally. Love stroked back-to-back threes , cutting the lead to 10 points with 7 minutes remaining in th game. Miami held strong, bouncing back to close out the pesky Cavaliers.
The Miami Heat have come out of the gates firing on all cylinders, as they move into second place in the Eastern Conference Power Rankings following a road win against the Cavaliers.
Miami big man Bam Adebayo controlled the paint for the Heat, putting up 16 points and pulling in 15 boards. The walking bucket Tyler Herro, out of Kentucky, scored 16 off the bench for the Heat, shooting 4-7 from the field. Miami superstar Jimmy Butler had a rather quiet night, posting 14 points and 6 assists.
Kevin Love was the lone bright spot for the home town Cavs, posting a double-double 21 points and 10 boards. Cleveland's defensive anchor Tristan Thompson had a poor offensive game, scoring 2 points and only pulling in 3 boards. Larry Nance Jr left the game with an apparent left had injury after slamming home a dunk.
The Cavaliers will have a few days off before taking on the Philadelphia 76ers. Tip-off on Sunday is set for 3:00 pm ET at the Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse in Cleveland, Ohio. Check out highlights from today's win below!