Darius Garland didn’t etch his words when he spoke about what the Cavaliers need to do to defeat the Miami Heat.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have cruised in previous playoffs. They defeated the Miami Heat in Game 2 to take a 2-0 lead in the first round series.
The Cavaliers have stepped up for some players for them. Donovan Mitchell praised Ty Jerome for the role he plays for them.
Speaking of Donovan Mitchell, he performed strong in Game 2 tonight, scoring 30 points for the team to win. But Mitchell himself said that 30 points isn’t something the Cavaliers need to become a contender.
However, for now, I have to focus on the series with heat. And Darius Garland has identified a key weakness in Miami fever.
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After the game, Darius Garland told me what the Cavaliers need to do to close this series in four games.
Garland said the Cavaliers must continue to target heat weaknesses, particularly in defense. This includes focusing on defender Tyler Hero.
“Pick Tyler Hero. Take care of the ball. Don’t play in tight spaces. And choose their weak defenders. Chase them.”
It’s hard to decipher whether Garland is joking or serious. But there is a truth in what he is saying. As offensive as Tyler Hero, he is a terrible advocate.
Hero had a good game because it was worth it. He scored 33 points, but the fever couldn’t help the Cavaliers overcome.
Read more: Erik Spoelstra rulings the Cleveland Cavaliers over Kel-Elware, who only scores two points in Miami heat loss
With two games up with the exhausted Miami Heat team, the Cavaliers are very close to moving on to the second round.
But remember – this is still the Miami Heat coached by Erik Spoelstra. The last thing the Cavaliers can do is to be complacent and think that progress is formal.
If so, fever punishes them. Erik Spoelstra conditioned players to play hard at all times and deliver at a high level regardless of the opportunity.
Watch the Cavaliers, stay focused and close this series as soon as possible.