Heat Fall 130-116 in First Home Loss to Shorthanded Cavs

The Miami Heat suffered their first home loss of the season on Wednesday night, falling 130-116 to a shorthanded Cleveland Cavaliers team at Kaseya Center in Miami. The defeat snapped a 5-0 start at home and highlighted ongoing challenges for a squad navigating injuries and a roster reshaped by last season's blockbuster trade of Jimmy Butler to the Golden State Warriors.

The Heat entered the game without center Bam Adebayo, sidelined for a fourth straight contest with a toe sprain, and guard Tyler Herro, out with an ankle injury. Guard Terry Rozier also remained away from the team amid personal matters. Despite these absences, Miami built double-digit leads in the first three quarters, only to falter in the fourth amid 21 turnovers and excessive fouls that sent Cleveland to the free-throw line 26 times. The Cavaliers, missing Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley and Darius Garland, capitalized with balanced scoring led by Jarrett Allen's 30 points.

Norman Powell led the Heat with 27 points, continuing a hot streak that includes 20 or more points in seven consecutive games and at least one 3-pointer in 23 straight. Center Kelel Ware added 15 points and 13 rebounds in his fourth start,...