Cavaliers See Good Process in Bad Result Entering Heat Rematch

Cleveland looks to bounce back after falling to Miami in Wednesday's matchup.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 4:35am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Miami Heat ended their five-game losing streak with a 120-103 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday. First-time All-Star Norman Powell returned to the starting lineup and led the Heat with 19 points. The Cavaliers, who had won four straight games, were booed throughout the first half as they trailed by as many as 21 points. Cleveland rallied in the fourth quarter but ultimately fell short. Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson and star Donovan Mitchell saw positives in the defeat, noting they will face the Heat again on Friday.

Why it matters

This game highlighted the ongoing battle for playoff positioning in the Eastern Conference, with the Heat moving into sole possession of eighth place and the Cavaliers remaining in fourth. The rematch on Friday will be an important test for both teams as they jockey for postseason seeding.

The details

The Heat's lineup change, with Norman Powell returning to the starting five, helped spark their offense. Miami's big men, Bam Adebayo and Kel'el Ware, dominated the Cavaliers' counterparts Evan Mobley and Thomas Bryant. Cleveland made a late push in the fourth quarter but ultimately ran out of gas after playing the previous night against the Orlando Magic.

  • The Heat and Cavaliers will face off again on Friday, March 29, 2026.
  • The Cavaliers had won four straight games before Wednesday's loss.

The players

Norman Powell

A first-time All-Star who returned to the Heat's starting lineup and led the team with 19 points in the win.

Bam Adebayo

The Heat's center posted 17 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists, dominating the Cavaliers' big men.

Donovan Mitchell

The Cavaliers' star player scored 28 points before fouling out, but saw positives in the team's second-half rally.

Kenny Atkinson

The Cavaliers' head coach was pleased with his team's effort and competitive spirit, despite the loss.

James Harden

The Cavaliers' veteran guard had 18 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists, but also 5 turnovers in a shaky outing.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We stayed together, figured it out and were able to get our offense back clicking. We have it in us to hold the line, and not get sideways and let go of the rope. I thought we did a great job of trusting one another.”

— Norman Powell

“We just need to defend. We know we can score. We've put up the most 140-point games. We know we can score. It's about the other side of the ball.”

— Bam Adebayo

“I'm pleased with the process. I thought we competed. I liked our spirit. I liked our compete. ... That's my job as a coach, not necessarily look at the score but see if we're carrying through on the plan.”

— Kenny Atkinson, Cavaliers Head Coach

“We let it slip, but we see them again on Friday. You've got to give (Miami) credit, they made some shots. ... I feel like we know we can (rally from 21 down), play the way we did in the second half.”

— Donovan Mitchell

What’s next

The Cavaliers and Heat will face off again on Friday, March 29, 2026, in a crucial Eastern Conference matchup.

The takeaway

This game showcased the competitive spirit of both teams, with the Cavaliers rallying from a large deficit to make it a close contest. The rematch on Friday will be an important test as these two playoff contenders jockey for position in the Eastern Conference standings.