The Cleveland Cavaliers pushed the Miami Warmth to the brink of elimination with a dominant 124-87 victory in Recreation 3, placing them up 3-0 within the first-round playoff sequence.
Whereas a number of Cavaliers shined—together with Jarrett Allen‘s 22-point, 10-rebound double-double and DeAndre Hunter’s 22 factors off the bench—it was Max Strus who earned particular recognition from teammate Evan Mobley.
Max Strus delivered an environment friendly 18 factors on 53.8% taking pictures, together with 4 three-pointers, however his defensive affect proved equally helpful as he successfully neutralized Warmth star Tyler Herro.
Below Strus’ smothering protection, Herro managed simply 13 factors on a dismal 38.5% taking pictures, connecting on just one three-pointer all through your complete contest.
“He’s like a Swiss Military knife. Something you ask him to do he’ll go on the market and do it to his full functionality,” Mobley praised after the sport.
“Tonight he did an excellent job on Tyler Herro, simply making it actually tough on him not letting contact the ball.”
“[He’s] simply swarming them and being in the fitting spots on the proper time and we’d like that from guys like that. Additionally offensively as properly being productive,” Mobley added.
Mobley, this season’s Defensive Participant of the 12 months, additionally showcased his two-way capability with 19 factors, one block, and one steal whereas anchoring Cleveland’s dominant defensive effort.
The Cavaliers’ well-rounded assault featured six gamers scoring in double figures, together with Ty Jerome’s double-double with 12 factors and 11 assists.
Their balanced offensive strategy, mixed with suffocating protection, has Miami trying to find solutions as they face elimination in Recreation 4.
Cleveland’s versatile roster of gamers who excel on each ends of the court docket has confirmed overwhelming for the Warmth.
The 37-point blowout represents the Cavaliers’ most dominant playoff efficiency in years and alerts they is likely to be prepared for a deep postseason run behind their multi-dimensional expertise and stifling protection.
