CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Cavs have sights set on their first playoff sweep since 2018, another mile marker on the road toward building their own legacy.
Tipoff for Monday’s Game 4 at Kaseya Center is set for 7:30 p.m. Eastern on TNT. And with a commanding 3-0 series lead over the Heat, the Cavs are imposing their will, dragging the echoes of their regular-season dominance into the postseason and making it ring a little louder.
Through the first three games, the Cavaliers have been the sharper, stronger and more complete team. High-level shooting, stifling defense and timely bursts from the bench have built a foundation, while Cleveland’s stars have risen when called, answering the moment when needed.
Each performance has been another brushstroke on the painting they are trying to finish this spring — one of dominance, resilience and belief.
The Heat, meanwhile, are hanging on by threads. After clawing their way into the playoffs from the 10th seed, already battered from two must-win Play-In games, Miami looks exhausted.
After Game 3’s 37-point blowout, the city, the fans, even the team itself, seemed to feel the weight of inevitability.
Miami will fight. They always do. But needing 48 perfect minutes against a Cavaliers team playing with this much precision is a cruel ask.
Tyler Herro, Bam Adebayo and Davion Mitchell would have to summon something extraordinary just to give the Heat a chance.
Cleveland, though, has no interest in letting the series stretch any further, especially with Darius Garland managing a left great toe sprain.
Rest is the hidden prize of a sweep, a crucial window to recharge before the Eastern Conference thickens. And if a surging Indiana Pacers team dispatches the battered Bucks in their Game 5 on Tuesday, the Eastern Conference semifinals could be set within the next 48 hours.
A sweep would buy precious time to prepare for what’s next.
Sometimes, the best team doesn’t survive the playoffs. Sometimes, the healthiest one does. The Cavaliers understand that difference intimately — and they are hell-bent on being both.
Monday is about staying sharp and fine-tuning playoff strategies. No mercy. No extra trips. No invitations to chaos.
The Cavs have the broom in hand. All that’s left is to finish sweeping.
More Cavs coverage
- Tristan Thompson opens up about powerful, emotional embrace with ‘brother forever’ Kevin Love
- Cavs vs. Heat: What Miami and national media are saying after Game 4
- Cavs announce when tickets are on sale for second round vs. either Pacers or Bucks
How to watch the Cavs: See how to watch the Cavs games with this handy game-by-game TV schedule.
Here’s what to know about the matchup:
Who:Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Miami Heat
Series:Game 4.
Where:Kaseya Center
When:7:30 p.m. ET.
The point spread:Cavs minus-8.5; O/U 209.5
TV:FanDuel Sports Network - Ohio and TNT/truTV/Max
Injury Report
CAVS:
Questionable:
Darius Garland (toe).
HEAT:
Out:
Kevin Love (personal); Terry Rozier (ankle)
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