Thu Mar 06 06:19:49 UTC 2025: ## Cavs Clinch Playoff Berth, Extend Unbeaten Streak to 12

**Cleveland, OH** – The Cleveland Cavaliers have become the first team to secure a spot in the NBA Playoffs, extending their winning streak to 12 games with a hard-fought 112-107 victory over the Miami Heat. Donovan Mitchell led the Cavs with 26 points in a game that saw the Heat threaten a comeback in the fourth quarter before Cleveland ultimately secured the win.

Despite the narrow victory, Mitchell emphasized the need for improvement, stating, “It took a collective effort…but we’ve got to be better.” He downplayed the significance of clinching a playoff berth early, saying, “It’s definitely a blessing…but it doesn’t really mean much. We’ve got a lot more to accomplish.”

Evan Mobley contributed 16 points and 13 rebounds, while Darius Garland added 15 points and 10 assists. Bam Adebayo led the Heat with 34 points. The Cavs now boast a 52-10 record, holding a commanding lead in the Eastern Conference with 20 games remaining in the regular season.

Elsewhere in the NBA:

* **Celtics Surge:** Boston defeated Portland 128-118, fueled by Derrick White’s 41 points and Payton Pritchard’s 43-point performance. The Celtics, now 44-18, remain eight games behind Cleveland.
* **Thunder’s West Domination:** Oklahoma City extended their lead in the Western Conference to 11 games after defeating Memphis 120-103, thanks to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 41 points. Their record stands at 51-11.
* **Nuggets Overcome Deficit:** Denver overcame a 14-point deficit to defeat Sacramento 116-110, led by Russell Westbrook’s 25 points.
* **Bucks’ Victory:** Milwaukee defeated Dallas 137-107, with Damian Lillard scoring 34 points and Giannis Antetokounmpo adding 32.
* **Timberwolves Triumph:** Minnesota defeated Charlotte 125-110, with Anthony Edwards and Jaden McDaniels each scoring 29 points.

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