Cavs Keep Streak Alive: Beat Miami Despite LeBron's Ejection

Kevin Love's explosive start, LeBron's double-double power Cavs anew


Just a few games ago, the Miami Heat ended the Boston Celtics' 16-game winning streak. So they technically know now how to take down a streaking team, right? And since they are playing against the Cleveland Cavaliers who came into the game with an 8-game winning streak, the Heat only need to do what they did to the Celtics. However, that wasn't the case.

The Cleveland Cavaliers successfully extended their winning streak to 9 games after beating the Miami Heat, 108-97, in a game which saw LeBron James getting ejected in the 3rd quarter- a first in the 15-year career of the multi-time MVP.

How did the Cavs beat the Heat this time around? Below are the numbers:


Kevin Love's Explosive Start

Kevin Love has been criticized due to the apparent fact that his presence hasn't been much felt even during the time when Kyrie Irving was still manning the point guard position for the Cavs. 

Against the Heat, Kevin Love made sure that his presence was felt especially from the offensive end. He started the game by scoring 22 points in the first quarter alone. He already has 32 of his 38 points by halftime. He was efficient on the floor making 10 of his 17 shot attempts and 14 of 17 free throws. He also grabbed 9 rebounds while playing for 25 minutes.


40 Points in the 2nd Quarter

After scoring 35 points in the opening quarter, the Cavs went on a scoring rampage come the second quarter when they scored 40 points in that quarter which increased their lead to 27 at the break. That run enabled the Cavs to hang onto the win as they only scored 18 and 15 in the 3rd and 4th quarter. 

Another Double-Double for the King

Despite the ejection in the 3rd quarter, LeBron James still managed to get a double-double as he scored 21 points, going 10 for 16 in the field while grabbing 12 rebounds. He also had 6 assists and 5 steals plus a blocked shot. If he wasn't ejected, LeBron would have probably gotten another triple-double, right?


Conclusion

The Cavs are now 14-7 in the season which puts them in 3rd place in the Eastern Conference. They may be on a 9-game winning streak but that doesn't mean that they can go on winning for long. Why? They are still undermanned, to begin with. They don't have a legitimate point guard as of the moment. Fortunately, LeBron James can now play all 5 positions, right?

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