CLEVELAND, Ohio (WE)— Forget the broom. Call in a professional cleaning crew. The Cleveland Cavaliers left such a mess in Miami during their Game 4 demolition of the Miami Heat, a simple sweep wouldn’t do it justice.
Monday night’s 138-83 win at Kaseya Center wasn’t just another playoff blowout — it was the cherry on top of the most lopsided playoff series victory in modern NBA history. The Cavs roared out to a 15-3 lead within three minutes, entered halftime up by 39, and eventually led by as many as 60. The result? A jaw-dropping +30.5 point differential for the series, the best first-round mark since at least 1997.
The 55-point margin marked:
- The largest series-clinching win in NBA history,
- The largest playoff win in Cavaliers franchise history,
- The worst playoff loss in Miami Heat history.
It also completed the most lopsided series in NBA history, with Cleveland outscoring Miami by a cumulative 122 points over four games. The previous record was a 121-point differential by the 2009 Denver Nuggets against the then-New Orleans Hornets — and that series took five games.
Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley Lead the Charge
Despite missing Darius Garland (sprained toe), Cleveland barely missed a beat. Donovan Mitchell finished with 22 points (8-12 FG, 4-8 3PT) and five assists in just 25 minutes. Evan Mobley added 17 points, seven rebounds, two blocks, and a steal.
Jarrett Allen was a monster inside: 14 points (perfect 5-5 FG, 4-4 FT), 12 rebounds, six steals, and two assists — all in just 25 minutes. Off the bench, Ty Jerome and De’Andre Hunter combined for 37 points, providing the finishing touches to the beatdown.
Miami’s Nightmare: Herro’s Historic Struggles
For Miami, Game 4 was a disaster from start to finish. Tyler Herro, who had exchanged barbs with the Cavs earlier in the series, suffered a brutal night, finishing with just four points on 1-for-10 shooting. His minus-44 plus-minus is the worst ever recorded by a player in a home playoff game in the play-by-play era.
As a team, the Heat shot a miserable 13-for-43 (30%) in the first half and 4-for-25 (16%) from deep. By halftime, they trailed by 39 points — the third-largest halftime deficit in NBA playoff history and the largest ever in a potential clincher.
By the end of the third quarter, Cleveland led 111-63, punctuated by a deep Ty Jerome three-pointer off a Eurostep from near halfcourt. It was a performance Miami — and NBA historians — won’t soon forget.
Series Overview
- Game 1: Cavaliers 121, Heat 112 — Donovan Mitchell drops 30 to fend off a Heat comeback.
- Game 2: Cavaliers 121, Heat 112 — Mitchell again stars with 30 points; Herro shines with 33 in a losing effort.
- Game 3: Cavaliers 124, Heat 87 — Cavs blow it open early, dominate Heat on the road.
- Game 4: Cavaliers 138, Heat 83 — Historic annihilation.
Over four games, Cleveland controlled every aspect of the series, neutralizing Miami’s stars and exposing their depth issues. Even without Garland for two games, the Cavs never wavered.
Five Biggest Takeaways from Cavs vs. Heat Game 4: Cleveland Makes NBA Playoff History
1. Cavs Complete the Most Lopsided Series Victory in NBA History
Sometimes, playoff sweeps can be deceiving — a few close games, a few bad bounces, and suddenly it’s 4-0. Not this time.
From the opening tip of Game 1 to the final buzzer of Game 4, the Cavaliers absolutely dominated the Heat. By the time Cleveland secured the 55-point win on Monday, it was clear: This was one of the most overwhelming beatdowns the NBA has ever seen.
- Game 1: Cavs win 112-85
- Game 2: Cavs win 119-95
- Game 3: Cavs win 124-87
- Game 4: Cavs win 138-83
Donovan Mitchell was sensational. Darius Garland silenced his critics. Evan Mobley looked like a future All-Defense mainstay. And Jarrett Allen controlled the paint with authority.
The Heat, led by coach Erik Spoelstra and president Pat Riley, are known for their “culture” — a term that’s become synonymous with mental toughness and resilience. Yet even they couldn’t withstand the Cavalanche.
2. Tyler Herro’s Trash Talk Backfires Spectacularly
No one on the Heat had a rougher week than Tyler Herro.
Leading up to Game 4, Herro repeatedly threw verbal jabs at Cleveland. He claimed Garland “can’t guard anybody,” criticized Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson for playing the “wrong defense,” and confidently declared, “We’re not going out 4-0.”
Well…
Herro ended Game 4 with a miserable 1-for-10 shooting performance. He was targeted mercilessly on defense, allowing opponents to shoot a blistering 57.8% against him, per NBA.com/stats.
Worse, Miami’s offense sputtered completely. The Heat finished with sub-100-point totals in two of four games, looking lost and disconnected. Herro’s trash talk became fuel for a Cavaliers team that didn’t need any extra motivation.
As the final buzzer sounded Monday night, there was little left for Herro to say. But if he does talk during exit interviews, one hopes it’s with a touch more humility.
3. Darius Garland Is Growing Up Right Before Our Eyes
It’s easy to forget that Garland, still only 24 years old, is playing just his second NBA playoffs.
After a rocky postseason debut in 2023, he entered this series with questions swirling about his ability to handle playoff pressure, especially after Herro’s criticisms.
He answered them emphatically.
Garland averaged 21 points and 8 assists per game in the series, shot over 50% from the field, and showed newfound confidence attacking Miami’s defense. His partnership with Mitchell continues to evolve — no longer just two high-usage guards sharing a backcourt, but a symbiotic relationship where each lifts the other.
And defensively? Garland showed fight. Sure, he won’t ever be Marcus Smart, but he held his own far better than critics like Herro expected.
If Cleveland hopes to make a deep run through the Eastern Conference, Garland’s growth will be a major reason why.
4. Kenny Atkinson Pushed All the Right Buttons
When Cleveland hired Atkinson after parting ways with J.B. Bickerstaff, some questioned whether he was the right voice to lead a young, talented roster.
Those doubts are fading fast.
Atkinson’s defensive scheme — a mix of top-locking on shooters and aggressive help defense — flummoxed Miami. His rotations stayed tight, trusting in players like Isaac Okoro and Caris LeVert to bring energy off the bench.
Perhaps most impressive was the Cavs’ offensive execution. They repeatedly hunted mismatches, moved the ball with purpose, and refused to let up even when building massive leads. In a playoff environment where momentum can shift quickly, Atkinson’s steady hand kept Cleveland laser-focused.
The real tests — starting with the Indiana Pacers in the conference semifinals — are still to come. But so far, Atkinson has aced his first playoff exam in Cleveland.
Read More:
- Pacers Roll to 129-103 Victory in Game 4 to Take 3-1 Lead After Bucks Lose Lillard to Injury
- New York Knicks Rally to Stun Detroit Pistons, Take 3-1 Lead in Eastern Conference First Round
- Minnesota Timberwolves Rally Past Lakers to Take 3–1 Series Lead Behind Anthony Edwards’ 43 Points
5. Cleveland’s Depth Is a Game-Changer
In the NBA playoffs, stars win games. But depth wins series.
The Cavaliers have both.
In addition to Mitchell’s brilliance and Garland’s maturation, Cleveland’s bench absolutely crushed Miami’s second unit. LeVert, Okoro, and Sam Merrill provided critical minutes, combining defense with three-point shooting that kept Miami stretched to the breaking point.
Even third-stringers like Craig Porter Jr. made an impact late in blowouts.
This depth will be vital moving forward. Indiana boasts dynamic scoring options, and assuming the Boston Celtics handle their business, Cleveland will eventually need all hands on deck to dethrone the reigning champs.
Final Box Score Highlights
| Team | 1Q | 2Q | 3Q | 4Q | Final |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cleveland Cavs | 42 | 28 | 34 | 34 | 138 |
| Miami Heat | 17 | 14 | 22 | 30 | 83 |
Top Performers:
- Donovan Mitchell: 30 points, 6 assists
- Darius Garland: 22 points, 7 assists
- Evan Mobley: 16 points, 12 rebounds
- Tyler Herro: 7 points, 3 assists
- Bam Adebayo: 12 points, 8 rebounds
What’s Next for Both Teams?
Cleveland Cavaliers: The Cavaliers now advance to face the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. The Pacers present a much tougher challenge with their potent offense led by Tyrese Haliburton and a deep roster. The Cavs will need another massive series from Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and Darius Garland to maintain their momentum. They’ll also have to prepare for Indiana’s fast pace and hot shooting.
Miami Heat: The Heat now head into an offseason full of questions. Jimmy Butler missed the series with injury, but Miami’s issues run deeper than missing their star. Bam Adebayo needs more offensive help, and the team’s salary cap situation will make upgrading the roster difficult. There are rumors swirling about potential big moves by Pat Riley and the front office. Will they retool around Butler, or start considering a larger rebuild? The answers this summer will shape Miami’s next era.
Final Thoughts
For the Miami Heat, this was a humbling experience. Erik Spoelstra’s streak of avoiding sweeps is over. Pat Riley’s culture was battered by an avalanche of Cavalier energy and execution.
For the Cleveland Cavaliers, this was a statement. A declaration that they are no longer just a “nice story” or a “young team on the rise.” They are here, now, and they are dangerous.
Up next: a date with Tyrese Haliburton and the Indiana Pacers. A tougher, faster opponent who will test Cleveland in new ways.
But after this historic sweep, it’s clear: the Cavaliers are ready for whatever comes next.
