The Cleveland Cavaliers are well suited to meet expectations as one of the league’s best and advance to their second consecutive Eastern Conference semi-final appearance.
After caring for the business from home in the first two games of the 7-Game Series, the Cavaliers were even more incredible in Game 3, dismantling the Miami Heat (124-87) in South Beach.
With Kenny Atkinson’s team close to ending the Heat roller coaster season, Miami fans were talking a lot about team president Pat Riley.
And as the Indiana Pacers and Milwaukee Bucks fight teeth and claws on the other side of the bracket, the Cavaliers are waiting to continue their NBA playoff journey.
Cleveland’s massive Game 3 victory saw the team effort behind superstar leader Donovan Mitchell succeeding in the full success.
In addition to Max Strath, who was praised for being Evan Mobley’s “Swiss Army Knife,” another role player appeared wonderfully in the form of DeAndre Hunter.
Hunter, the team’s coveted sixth man, came out of the bench to help the Cavs secure Game 3. In the 28th minute he finished with 21 points, four boards and three assists, shooting six-eighth from the field.
He was also impressive on the defensive side, using his solid frame to protect multiple Miami players from Tyler Hero to Bam Adebayo.
The Hunter, who was promoted by NBA legend Kevin Garnett as the Cavs’ “secret weapon,” reminded everyone once again why the franchise followed him on this past midseason trade deadline.
“It’s amazing with both ends of the ball and glass,” Cavs Wing Ty Jerome said of the Hunter.
“But that’s honestly who he is… so we got him. I’ve seen it for the past decade.”
Head coach Atkinson added: “He’s great. And everyone is going to talk about his offense, but defensively, he was everything we traded… you know, his physicality, his size.”
“Can I switch to BAM? He and Dean can switch to BAM. Now we have Evan to Tyler. It’s really luxurious. And offensively, I thought he was great.
“I mean, he’s very skilled, he can shoot it and play picks and roles.
The Hunter, which was obtained from the Atlanta Hawks, was everything the Cavs wanted, and the final piece of the Championship puzzle.
Since his arrival, he has been extremely productive, shooting 42.6% from 3-point land in 27 games (5 starts).
After Darius Garland stepped up inactive due to a toe injury, Hunter endured the team’s “unhonored hero” distinction in his latest victory.
“Just be aggressive,” he said of playing Game 3. “(Mitchell) came to me and told me in particular (Garland) to be offensive. That’s what I was trying to do.”
With the first round series sweep already sweeping before them, the Cavs will try to close it against the heat on April 28th, so we hope Hunter plays a lot again.