Cavaliers set field-goal record vs. Heat in buzzer-beating loss

News Correspondent
Cavaliers set field-goal record vs. Heat in buzzer-beating loss image

The Cleveland Cavaliers lost in heartbreaking fashion to the Miami Heat on Monday night, falling 140–138 in overtime after an incredible buzzer-beating alley-oop from Andrew Wiggins sealed their fate. The stunning finish sent the Cavs home empty-handed, despite an offensive performance that will go down in the record books.

Even with the loss to a short-handed Miami roster, Cleveland made a bit of history against their long-time rival, recording the most field goal attempts against the Heat in franchise history with an astounding 120. Yes, you read that right. The Cavaliers showed no signs of slowing down their pace or hesitating to shoot, firing from all angles and tempos. Out of those 120 attempts, 65 came from beyond the arc, a clear testament to the team’s confidence in their perimeter shooting.

To put the performance into perspective, this game now ranks fifth in franchise history for the most field-goal attempts in a single contest. You’d have to go all the way back to 1980, when Cleveland faced the Los Angeles Lakers, shooting 142 times in a 154–153 win. The next-highest total after that sits at 125, which shows just how rare this kind of offensive outburst really is.

Donovan Mitchell played a major role in the Cavaliers’ record-setting night, taking a total of 28 shots, with 16 coming from downtown. One of his most jaw-dropping makes came in the final seconds of overtime — a fadeaway three-pointer from the corner that somehow found the bottom of the net to tie the game at 138–138. It was one of those moments where the entire arena held its breath, thinking Cleveland might just pull off the improbable.

Mitchell finished the night with 28 points, 15 rebounds, and eight assists across 41 minutes of play. His workload skyrocketed in the second half and overtime after Darius Garland was forced to sit with a toe injury. Head coach Kenny Atkinson offered a reassuring update postgame, noting that Garland was cleared to return but was ultimately held out as a precautionary measure with a long season ahead.

The Cavaliers also earned 27 trips to the free-throw line, though they only converted 19 of those attempts — an area that might’ve made all the difference in such a tight matchup.

Although Cleveland walked away on the wrong end of the scoreboard, their effort was undeniable. They battled to the final buzzer, proving once again that this group’s fight and offensive rhythm can keep them in any game, no matter how wild the ending.

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Contributing Writer