Tyler Herro of the Miami Heat responded fiercely to Darius Garland's comments about targeting him in their playoff series. Herro disputed Garland's claim, emphasizing that a player who struggles defensively should not critique others. In the ongoing series, Herro has showcased his scoring ability but has also faced scrutiny for his defensive ratings, which are worse than Garland’s.

As Miami prepares for Game 3, both players' defensive performances will be under close observation. Garland is dealing with an injury, which raises questions about his availability and effectiveness in the matchup against Herro.

The Charlotte Hornets have struggled through yet another challenging season, finishing with a 19-63 record and ranking 14th in the Eastern Conference. Injuries to key players like LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, and Mark Williams hindered their ability to compete effectively, leading to their third consecutive lottery trip. Despite head coach Charles Lee's first year, the team demonstrated potential with a promising core, though their injury issues remain a significant concern.

Among the roster, Miles Bridges emerged as the standout player, averaging 20.3 points and 7.5 rebounds in 64 games. Conversely, Mark Williams showed flashes of talent, averaging 15.3 points and 10.2 rebounds, but his career has been marred by injuries. Brandon Miller's regression was disappointing, highlighting the need for improved health and consistency going forward.

Donovan Mitchell's fourth-quarter explosion led the Cleveland Cavaliers to a pivotal 121-112 victory over the Miami Heat in Game 2 of their Eastern Conference playoffs. With 30 points, including 17 in the final quarter, Mitchell's performance was essential in maintaining Cleveland's 2-0 series lead. Darius Garland supported with 21 points and nine assists, while Evan Mobley added 20 points and 6 rebounds, showcasing Cleveland's depth.

Miami struggled to keep pace, despite Tyler Herro’s 33 points. The Heat trailed by as many as 19 points but rallied to close the gap to just two late in the game. However, missed opportunities in the final minutes allowed the Cavaliers to hold on for the win. Cleveland's 22 three-pointers set a team playoff record, with Mitchell hitting seven of ten from beyond the arc. The series now shifts to Miami for Game 3.

Donovan Mitchell led the Cleveland Cavaliers to a commanding 121-112 victory over the Miami Heat, scoring 30 points, 17 of which came in a dramatic fourth quarter. The Cavaliers took a 2-0 lead in their Eastern Conference first-round series, showcasing their three-point shooting prowess with a record 11 three-pointers in the second quarter. Miami attempted a comeback, narrowing a 19-point deficit to just two points late in the game.

Despite a strong 33-point performance from Tyler Herro, Miami struggled to maintain momentum against a resilient Cavaliers team. Mitchell's late-game heroics, including back-to-back three-pointers, were pivotal as he scored eight consecutive points to secure the win. Evan Mobley and Darius Garland also contributed significantly with 20 and 19 points, respectively, while the Cavaliers displayed impressive offensive depth.

The Cleveland Cavaliers demonstrated their resilience and skill in a thrilling playoff matchup against the Miami Heat, taking a 2-0 series lead. Donovan Mitchell spearheaded the victory with a remarkable performance, scoring 30 points, including 17 in the fourth quarter, to fend off a fierce Miami comeback that nearly turned into the largest playoff comeback in NBA history. Despite trailing by as many as 19 points, the Heat rallied behind Tyler Herro, who contributed 33 points, and Davion Mitchell, who added 18. The Cavaliers' depth was crucial, with multiple players contributing to the offensive display. This win sets the stage for an intense Game 3 in Miami, where the Heat will look to capitalize on their momentum from the second half.