The Cleveland Cavaliers showcased their resilience and skill on Wednesday night, overcoming a late-game surge from the Miami Heat to secure a 121-112 victory. This triumph not only handed the Cavaliers a commanding 2-0 lead in their first-round Eastern Conference playoff series but also highlighted the standout performance of Donovan Mitchell, who scored a remarkable 30 points, with 17 of those coming in a pivotal fourth quarter.

Cleveland, the top seed in the Eastern Conference, made history during the game by setting an NBA playoff record for the most three-pointers made in a single quarter. They drained an impressive 11 shots from beyond the arc in the second quarter and finished the game with a total of 22 three-pointers. This explosive shooting performance was crucial in establishing their dominance, yet the team faced a significant challenge as the Heat mounted a fierce comeback in the second half.

Tyler Herro emerged as a key player for the Heat, leading his team with 33 points. Despite Miami's valiant efforts, they will need to regroup quickly as they prepare to host Game 3 on Saturday afternoon. The Heat got off to a strong start, establishing an early lead of 16-7 before the Cavaliers rallied to take control of the game.

The Cavaliers displayed remarkable tenacity, overcoming a 19-point deficit in the third quarter. As the game progressed, Miami began to close the gap, narrowing Cleveland's lead to just 105-103 with only 3:11 left on the clock. In this critical moment, Donovan Mitchell stepped up, scoring the next eight points for the Cavaliers. His contributions included two crucial three-pointers that helped the Cavaliers regain their comfort zone and extend their lead.

Alongside Mitchell, Evan Mobley also had a strong performance, contributing 20 points, while Darius Garland added 19 points to the scoreboard. The Cavaliers initially established a 33-30 lead before launching a dominant 17-4 run, powered by five three-pointers. Key contributions came from players Max Strus and Sam Merrill, who each hit two shots from long range.

With just over two minutes remaining in the third quarter, De'Andre Hunter's powerful dunk pushed the Cavaliers to a commanding 93-74 lead. However, the Heat quickly responded with ten consecutive points, igniting a 25-8 run that brought them within striking distance. During this critical stretch, Davion Mitchell scored 12 of his 18 points, supported by Herro and Nikola Jovic, who each contributed five points during the rally.

This thrilling matchup sets the stage for an exciting Game 3, where the Cavaliers will look to extend their series lead while the Heat aim to bounce back on their home court.

Reporting by The Associated Press.