CLEVELAND -- The Cleveland Cavaliers showcased a blend of teamwork and individual brilliance in their recent playoff game against the Miami Heat. A significant part of their success this season can be attributed to star player Donovan Mitchell, who has strategically taken a step back to allow younger teammates to flourish in their roles. However, during the critical moments of Wednesday nights game, Mitchell embraced his superstar status, delivering a stellar performance that led the Cavaliers to a 121-112 victory and a commanding 2-0 series lead as they prepare to head to Miami for Game 3 on Saturday.

The game took a tense turn when the Heat, facing a daunting 19-point deficit, made a commendable effort to claw back into contention, narrowing the gap to just two points with four minutes left on the clock. It was then that Mitchell re-entered the game and decisively impacted the outcome. He executed a smooth floater before hitting back-to-back three-pointers, one of which was a remarkable shot from 32 feet out. These crucial baskets provided the top-seeded Cavaliers with a much-needed boost, ensuring they retained control of the game.

Ive worked really hard to be in those moments, Mitchell expressed after the game. Youre fatigued or whatever, but you put your head down and get to the spots. Mitchells ability to rise to the occasion was evident, as he scored 17 of his total 30 points in the fourth quarter alone, a testament to his evolution into a clutch performer.

During the regular season, Mitchell averaged 24 points per game, marking his lowest scoring output in five seasons. He also recorded his fewest shots per game since his rookie year in 2017-18, showing a willingness to share the spotlight. Yet, in the playoffs, he has reaffirmed his essential role within the franchise by logging back-to-back 30-point games, demonstrating that when the stakes are high, he is ready to deliver.

Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson praised Mitchells growth. I feel like when we need him he gives it; he knows the moment, Atkinson noted. He doesnt do it when were up 10 or 15 [points]. Hell wait and wait. I think thats the maturity level hes gotten to where he is in his career, understanding what the situation is, what the moment is.

The game began with an extraordinary first half for the Cavaliers, who made a staggering 14 of their first 21 attempts from beyond the arc. This included a record-setting second quarter, where they sank 11 three-pointers, showcasing their shooting prowess. Eight different players contributed to the scoring from three-point range, and Mitchell played a pivotal role, assisting on five of the three-pointers made in that quarter.

Despite their blistering start, the Cavaliers faced challenges in the second half. After leading the league in three-point shooting percentage for much of the season, they struggled to maintain that momentum, hitting just 4-of-15 attempts in the third quarter. This inconsistency allowed the Miami Heat, the first No. 10 seed to advance to the playoffs via the play-in tournament, to stage a determined comeback.

In a strategic move, Heat coach Erik Spoelstra inserted guard Davion Mitchell into the starting lineup. This decision paid off, as he proved to be a driving force, contributing 14 of his 18 points in the fourth quarter while making an impact on both ends of the court. All-Star Tyler Herro also shined with an impressive 33-point performance, while Haywood Highsmith attempted to counter the Cavaliers' three-point assault by making 5 of 6 shots from downtown and finishing with 17 points.

Yet, as the game drew to a close, Donovan Mitchells late-game heroics ensured that the Cavaliers emerged victorious, outscoring the Heat 12-6 in the final moments. I love the fact that the game happened like this; Id much rather this than win by 20, Mitchell remarked, reflecting on the pressures of playoff basketball. Especially going into an environment like we are in a few days [in Miami]. We had to really find a way as a group.

In addition to Mitchell's standout performance, Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley contributed significantly with 20 points and six rebounds, playing a crucial defensive role against Heat star Bam Adebayo. Although Adebayo managed to grab 14 rebounds, he struggled offensively, shooting just 3-of-9 from the field. Thursday holds special significance for Mobley, as he is a finalist for the Defensive Player of the Year Award, which will be announced that night. Should he win, it will trigger escalators in his contract that could increase his total guaranteed money from $224 million to $269 million over the next five years.

I mean, it definitely was a goal of mine coming into this year; I put all the work in, so its a big day, Mobley said. But Im trying to be as focused as I can on the playoffs.