Sport

Sport
Cavaliers prepare for triumph: The preseason game schedule promises a tense autumn
While baseball crowds roar from the stands and football fans prepare for autumn excitement, the Cleveland Cavaliers quietly but confidently remind the world that the basketball season is just on the horizon. On Wednesday, the team announced their preseason schedule, which not only sets the tone for their 2025–2026 campaign but also hints at ambitions bordering on audacity. For a city that lives and breathes sports, this announcement is like the first chord of a symphony promising to be unforgettable.
The Cavaliers' preseason schedule, published with the club’s characteristic restraint, appears like a chess game carefully planned by the head coach and front office. Here’s what awaits the team in October:
October 7, against Chicago Bulls, 19:00, Cleveland. The home opener against a longtime rival is not only a test for the revamped roster but also a chance for fans to feel the energy of Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
October 9, in Chicago, 20:00. The second consecutive game against the Bulls on their floor promises to test durability and adaptability. Insiders say the coaching staff will use these games to refine new defensive schemes.
October 12, in Boston, 19:00. Facing the Celtics is always a special event. After painful playoff defeats in recent years, the Cavaliers aim to prove they can stand up to the Eastern Conference’s elite.
October 14, against Detroit Pistons, 19:00, Cleveland. The final preseason game against the young and hungry Pistons will give an idea of how prepared the team is for the start of the regular season.
Behind the scenes of this announcement lies much more than meets the eye. Sources close to the organization hint that this summer, the Cavaliers didn't just shuffle the roster—they made a bet on young stars and veterans with character. After several seasons marked by injuries and instability, Cleveland is experiencing cautious optimism. “These aren’t just preseason games,” whispers the buzz in the hallways. “This is a declaration of intent.”
For the Cavaliers, aiming to return to the glory days of LeBron James, every game on this schedule is an opportunity to hone skills and make their mark. In a city where sports are like religion and basketball its loudest sermon, fans are already counting down to tip-off. Will the Cavaliers meet expectations? The answer will start to take shape on October 7.
01.08.2025

Sport
Fishing from Michigan broke the state record, catching a giant flathead catfish
In the tranquil waters of the Plam Creek River, flowing through Monroe County, local fisherman Cody Carlson recently made history in the state of Michigan. On June 29th, armed only with a bow and a passion for fishing, Carlson caught a flathead catfish that turned out to be a true giant: weighing 64.46 pounds and measuring 45 inches in length. This catch has been officially recognized as a new state record, surpassing the previous record of 2022 set by an angler from Indiana, whose catfish weighed 53.35 pounds.“I just wanted to catch something for dinner, maybe a channel catfish,” admits Carlson, a resident of Newport who proudly calls himself a “true fishing enthusiast.” “But when I saw that it was a flathead catfish, I knew it was something special.” His modesty contrasts with the scale of his achievement, which has garnered attention not only from local anglers but also from biologists at the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR).According to DNR data, Carlson’s fish not only broke the record but may also have a unique history. Biologists speculate that this same catfish could have been caught five years ago in the same area. Back then, it weighed 55 pounds and measured 43 inches. “This demonstrates how rich and vibrant the Plam Creek ecosystem is,” notes DNR biologist Emilia Thornton. “This fish is a true veteran of our waters.”Carlson, whose enthusiasm for fishing borders on obsession, had not planned to set records. However, his catch has become part of a broader trend in Michigan, where anglers in recent years are increasingly setting state records. Last year, Scott Smith from Adrian set a new record by catching a white bass weighing 2 pounds 5.92 ounces in Lake St. Clair, surpassing the previous record set in 2015. These achievements highlight Michigan’s reputation as a mecca for anglers, where scenic lakes and rivers conceal real giants.For Carlson, this catch is not just a personal triumph but also a reminder that nature can surprise even the most experienced. “I just love being on the water,” he says with a smile. “But now I know there’s more to Plam Creek than just dinner.”While Carlson celebrates his record, the local fishing community is already buzzing with rumors about the next giant lurking in Michigan’s depths. And for the rest of the world, his story is yet another testament to how one person’s passion can reveal unexpected treasures of nature.
23.07.2025

Sport
A new era for Cleveland: Haslam Sports Group buys land for $76 million for an ambitious Browns stadium
CLEVELAND, Ohio — On Friday, June 27, 2025, Haslam Sports Group (HSG) took a decisive step toward creating a new home for the Cleveland Browns by purchasing 176 acres of land in Brook Park for $76 million, near Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. This deal, executed through the subsidiary Primacy Development LLC, marks the beginning of a transformative $3.6 billion project that includes a $2.4 billion domed stadium and a multi-purpose complex with hotels, apartments, restaurants, and offices. While the city of Cleveland struggles to keep the Browns on Lake Erie’s waterfront, the Haslams’ ambition promises to reshape the economic landscape of Northeast Ohio — or become the most expensive risk for the region.
This purchase, documented in Cuyahoga County records, was made possible after Ohio legislators approved a $600 million allocation from unclaimed state funds for the project, which is part of a two-year budget awaiting Governor Mike DeWine's signature by July 1. Along with $1.2 billion in private investment from HSG and partners such as Texas-based Lincoln Property Company, and an additional $600 million from Brook Park and Cuyahoga County, the project is positioned as a “generational opportunity,” in the words of Browns co-owner Jimmy Haslam. However, opposition from Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb and County Executive Chris Ronayne, who describe the plan as “risky” and “fiscally irresponsible,” casts a shadow over its future.
From industrial wasteland to sports mecca
The site on Snow Road, 18300, was once part of two Ford Motor Co. plants, which in 2021 were purchased by developers Weston Inc., Scannell Properties, and DiGeronimo Cos. for $31.5 million. After demolishing the old structures and converting part of the land into warehouse space, the remaining 176 acres became an ideal canvas for the Haslams’ vision. Located 1,000 feet from the airport, adjacent to Interstates 71 and 480 and Norfolk Southern rail lines, this land offers unique accessibility, making it attractive for creating a sports and entertainment hub capable of hosting major events from NCAA finals to world-class concerts.
HSG’s plan includes a stadium, sunk 80 feet below grade due to its proximity to the airport, which would be the first of its kind in the NFL. Next to it will be a 300,000-square-foot retail and entertainment complex, two luxury hotels, 1,100 apartments, and 500,000 square feet of office space with capacity for 14,000 parking spaces. According to consulting firm RCLCO, the project will generate an annual economic impact of $1.3 billion and create 5,400 permanent and 6,000 construction jobs. Brook Park Mayor Edward Orcutt called it “a transformative investment” that will make the region a magnet for tourism and development. “This is not just a stadium,” he said. “We are building a community where people will live, work, and play all year round.”
The battle for the Browns: Cleveland vs. the suburbs
Haslam’s decision to leave Huntington Bank Field, built in 1999 on Cleveland’s waterfront, has sparked a storm of emotion and political maneuvering. Mayor Bibb, who advocates for keeping the Browns downtown, called the move “deeply disappointing” and estimated the economic loss for local businesses at $30 million annually. In August 2024, he proposed $461 million for renovating the current stadium, but HSG dismissed this idea as a “short-term solution” that wouldn’t generate the same economic effect as the Brook Park domed complex. Bibb also references the 1996 Modell law, which requires teams using taxpayer-supported facilities to secure city approval or allow local investors to buy the team before relocating. HSG has challenged this law in federal court, calling it unconstitutional, while Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost backed Cleveland’s stance.
The opposition is further fueled by criticism of the funding plan. The Haslams are requesting $1.2 billion in public funds, including $422 million from new taxes in Brook Park (on admission, revenue, and parking), $178 million from Cuyahoga County hotel and rental car taxes, and $600 million from the state via bonds repaid by project taxes. Chris Ronayne labeled these projections “overly optimistic,” pointing out risks to the county’s credit rating. The Akron Beacon Journal editorial strongly criticized the plan, calling it “a billionaire’s bailout at taxpayers’ expense,” while schools remain underfunded. Additional tension stems from the Haslams’ political ties: according to Ohio Capital Journal, they donated $60,999 to House Speaker Matt Huffman, who actively supports the project.
Challenges and opportunities
Despite the land deal, the path to executing the project remains thorny. The Haslams must complete financing and secure approval from local residents by the end of 2025, which may include voting on tax initiatives. The history of failed sports projects in Ohio, such as Canton’s Pro Football Hall of Fame Village, highlights risks of cost overruns and unmet expectations. Furthermore, lawsuits with the city of Cleveland and skepticism from Ronayne, who emphasizes prioritizing projects like a new county jail, complicate negotiations. Governor DeWine, who must sign the budget by July 1, faces a dilemma: support the project risking criticism for prioritizing sports venues over social needs, or veto the funding, potentially forcing the Haslams to revisit the stadium renovation in Cleveland.
For Browns fans, whose passion is at the heart of Cleveland’s culture, the move to Brook Park evokes mixed feelings. Some see the new stadium as an opportunity for the region to become a sports and entertainment hub rivaling Midwestern cities. Others, as expressed during public hearings, fear the loss of traditions like the iconic tailgating along the waterfront. “If we rebuild the stadium in the same spot, we’ll miss out on a chance for something new,” remarked one Cleveland City Council attendee. However, the average cost of a family of four attending a game—$800 in 2024—raises questions about whether ordinary taxpayers can afford to frequent games at the new complex.
Looking ahead
While the Browns prepare for the 2025 season at the old stadium, the Haslams are already eyeing 2029, when the new Huntington Bank Field could open its doors. Designed by HKS architecture firm, the project promises a “world-class” experience for fans and an economic boost for the region. But can the Haslams overcome legal, financial, and public hurdles? Will Brook Park become Ohio’s new football capital, or will it remain just a billionaire’s grand vision? In a city still haunted by the pain of the Browns’ 1996 move to Baltimore, this battle for the team’s future is not just economic but deeply emotional. As Cleveland stands at a crossroads, one thing is clear: decisions made in the coming months will shape the Browns’ legacy for generations to come.
28.06.2025

Sport
Thunder of Victory: Oklahoma City Thunder Win NBA Title in Tense Finals Against Pacers
On Sunday evening, the Oklahoma City Thunder made history by defeating the Indiana Pacers with a score of 103-91 in Game 7 of the NBA Finals to claim their first franchise championship title since relocating from Seattle in 2008. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, crowned league MVP, was the architect of this victory, scoring 29 points and 12 assists, confirming that his star season culminated in triumph. This victory, earned through an intense series that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the last second, was not only a triumph for the Thunder but also a symbol of a new era in the NBA, where young teams with deep rosters challenge the established hierarchy.
This title was the second for the franchise, which previously won the championship as the Seattle SuperSonics in 1979. However, for Oklahoma City, a city that had been dreaming of its own banner for years, it was a moment of catharsis. With 84 wins in the regular season and playoffs, the Thunder matched the legendary Chicago Bulls of 1996-97 for most wins in a season, trailing only Golden State 2016-17 (88) and the Bulls 2015-16 (87). "It's not just a win, it's a statement," said head coach Mark Daigneault, whose strategic brilliance was key to their success. "We showed that defense still wins championships."
The series against the Pacers was a real test. Indiana, which started the season with a 10-15 record, made an impressive comeback to reach the finals for the first time since 2000. They led 1-0 and 2-1, relying on fast-paced attacks and deep roster depth, but the loss of star defender Tyrus Haliburton due to an Achilles injury in the first quarter of Game 7 dealt a fatal blow. "We fought to the end," said Pacers forward Pascal Siakam, who scored 16 points and grabbed 13 rebounds. "But without Tyrus, we lacked the spark." Benedict Mathurin, with 24 points and 13 rebounds, tried to fill the gap, but the Thunder used their devastating defense, forcing the opponents into 23 turnovers, which turned into 32 points.
The third quarter was decisive: the Thunder outscored the Pacers 34-20, creating a 13-point lead thanks to accurate three-pointers from Lou Dort and relentless energy from Jalen Williams, who added 20 points. Chet Holmgren, another young star, finished the game with 18 points, demonstrating why the Thunder are considered the youngest champion team since the Portland Trail Blazers in 1977. "We knew this was our moment," said Gilgeous-Alexander, who was named Finals MVP. "All our work, all our sacrifices led us here."
For the Pacers, this loss was a painful reminder of missed opportunities. The team, often underestimated by many, proved their strength, pushing the series to a seventh game—the first in NBA Finals since 2016. Pacers legend Reggie Miller, present at the game, acknowledged: "This team has heart. They were so close." However, injuries, including Achilles tears for Haliburton, James Weisman, and Isaiah Jackson, proved to be an overwhelming burden. According to sources within the Pacers coaching staff, Haliburton, who signed a five-year $244.7 million contract, may miss a significant part of next season, casting doubt on the team’s future prospects.
This victory for the Thunder also highlighted a paradigm shift in the NBA. Over the past seven seasons, seven different teams have won the title—a unprecedented occurrence in league history. Under Commissioner Adam Silver, who has seen nine different champions in 12 years, the NBA has become a arena where young, balanced rosters like the Thunder challenge traditional superteams. "This is the new NBA," Silver said in his postgame comment. "Depth, defense, and youth are rewriting the rules."
For Oklahoma City, a city that has endured economic hardship and tragedies, this title became a moment of unity. Fans filling the Paycom Center cheered for Gilgeous-Alexander and Dort—two Canadians who became the 11th and 12th players from Canada to win an NBA title. "This is for our city," said Sam Presti, Thunder general manager, holding the Larry O’Brien trophy. "We built this team with faith in youth and discipline."
As Oklahoma City prepares for the championship parade and the banner of the Thunder is set to rise to the arena's roof, the Pacers return to Indiana with heads held high, but with a bitter taste of lost dreams. For both teams, this series was a testament to their resilience. But that night, the thunder roared louder, and Oklahoma City celebrates the dawn of a new dynasty.
23.06.2025

Sport
Republican from Ohio proposes banning midday football games: The battle over traditions and television ratings
COLUMBUS, Ohio — In a state where football is not just a sport but a religion, Republican representative Teks Fisher has challenged one of Ohio's most controversial traditions: midday games of the Ohio State Buckeyes. His new bill, introduced last week, requires that games involving the Buckeyes against top-10 Associated Press teams begin no earlier than 3:30 PM. The proposal, which includes penalties of up to $10 million for violators, has sparked debates about football culture, television ratings, and political populism at the heart of America.
Football passion versus television schedules
Fisher, a passionate supporter of the Buckeyes from the Cincinnati suburb, does not hide his frustration. "Midday games against teams like Texas are an offense to fans," he posted on X, the platform that has become the arena for his campaign. The bill seems to have arisen from outrage over the upcoming rematch against the Texas Longhorns on August 30, which, according to rumors, Fox plans to broadcast as part of its popular Big Noon Kickoff slot. "Promises were made, promises will be kept," Fisher added, emphasizing his determination to change the status quo.
For Ohio, where the Buckeyes are a symbol of pride, midday games have long caused dissatisfaction. Fans complain that an early start ruins the atmosphere of evening games, when 100,000 spectators at Ohio Stadium create an electric energy hard to reproduce at noon. "It's not just a game; it's a ritual," says Jake Thompson, a bar owner near campus where fans traditionally gather late into the night. "Midday games kill the spirit of Columbus."
Politics, football, and big money
Fisher's bill is not only a defense of fan culture but also a challenge to television giants that dictate game schedules. Fox, whose Big Noon Kickoff program featuring Buckeyes alum Urban Meyer has become a hit, prefers midday slots to capture audiences before evening broadcasts. In the 2024 season, the Buckeyes played five such games, provoking a wave of outrage among fans but earning Fox millions in advertising revenue. According to insider sources, the network pays the Big Ten conference around $50 million a year for rights to these slots, and any changes could lead to tense negotiations.
Fisher proposes strict sanctions: a $10 million fine for a sports conference or TV network that schedules a midday start, with the guilty party determined by the Ohio attorney general. An exception is made for the legendary game against Michigan, traditionally played at noon to preserve its historic significance. "It's a compromise," a source close to Fisher said. "He knows he can't touch everything, but he wants to hit Fox where it hurts."
Reactions and broader context
Fisher's proposal has elicited mixed reactions. Supporters, especially Buckeyes fans, welcome it as a defense of their culture. "Teks is saying what we all think," wrote one fan on X, where Fisher's post has garnered thousands of shares. But critics, including Democratic Senator Bill DeMora, call the bill a populist stunt. "We have problems with education, healthcare, and he's wasting time on football," DeMora said. His own bill, banning exclusive streaming services like Peacock, also aims to protect fans.
The Ohio State University, which earns tens of millions from football broadcasts, finds itself in a delicate position. According to an administrative source, university leadership fears that supporting Fisher could jeopardize contracts with the Big Ten and Fox, but ignoring fans risks sparking a uprising in Columbus. "It's a political minefield," a source said. "Fans want evening games, but the money comes from TV networks."
Football as a mirror of America
Fisher's bill is more than a dispute over game times. It reflects deeper tensions within American society: the struggle between tradition and commerce, between local identity and corporate power. In Ohio, where the Buckeyes symbolize resilience in a post-industrial region, football is not just entertainment but a means to unite the community. Many believe midday games steal this magic, prioritizing TV ratings over the fan experience.
But Fisher's proposal also raises questions about its viability. Can the state afford to allocate legislative resources to such initiatives when schools are underfunded and healthcare is in crisis? And will Fisher be able to stand up to television giants whose financial might often outweigh political will? According to insiders, Big Ten lawyers are already preparing arguments against the bill, claiming it violates federal trade laws.
Looking ahead
As Columbus prepares for the game against the Longhorns, Buckeyes fans dream of an evening under stadium lights rather than a sizzling noon. Fisher, whose bill still needs to pass through committees, has become a hero for some and a laughingstock for others. But his initiative has already shifted the conversation, forcing TV networks and universities to consider who owns the soul of American football.
"It's not just about game time," Thompson, pouring beer for fans in his bar, said. "It's about whether we, the fans, still have a voice." In a state where every fall belongs to the Buckeyes, the answer to that question could shape not only the game schedule but also Ohio's vision of its future—as a land of tradition or a marketplace for goods.
23.05.2025

Sport
NASCAR returns the season final in Homestead, initiating a new era of the rotational championship
Homestead, Florida — At a moment that simultaneously symbolizes a return to traditions and a new strategic course, NASCAR announced on Tuesday: the championship weekend in 2026 will take place at the iconic Homestead-Miami Speedway. This means that for the first time in seven years, champions of the three main NASCAR series — Truck Series, Xfinity Series, and the top-tier Cup Series — will be crowned here.
However, as recent statements from leadership indicate, this is not just about a return. It is the beginning of a rotational formula that, according to NASCAR, aims to "redistribute the dramatic season finale between key markets and historic motorsport venues."
“It’s not just about geography — this is a new level of challenge for drivers and new emotions for fans,” — said Ben Kennedy, NASCAR Executive Vice President, adding that the format will create “a dynamic, unpredictable finish each year.”
The choice of Homestead is not accidental but a strategic acknowledgment of this arena’s role in NASCAR history. From 2002 to 2019, this track was the backdrop for decisive moments of the season. It became a championship forge for legends: Kyle Busch won titles here twice, Brett Kesselowski — in 2012, Joey Logano — in 2018. And, of course, Jimmie Johnson, seven-time champion, engraved his name in Homestead’s asphalt, where each of his titles ended with a triumphant finish in South Florida. It was here that the tunnel was named after him — a unique honor even by NASCAR standards.
Since 2020, the season finale has been held in Phoenix — a transfer initially perceived as an experiment but cemented for several years. However, there were already talks in the sidelines about returning to the “floating finale” model, which allows organizers to adapt the format to the demands of the modern market and media landscape.
“The modern fan is mobile, multi-platform, diverse. They expect the unexpected. We’re not just selling tickets to the track — we’re delivering emotions into every home,” — says one NBC Sports analyst who asked not to be named while commenting on the format change.
2026 will mark a new era: tradition returns to a familiar track, but in a new format — as part of a rotational strategy. After that, championship weekends will probably shift between historic locations — Chicago, Atlanta, Charlotte, and possibly even new city circuits currently in planning stages.
Homestead has once again gained the chance to become the place where tears of joy mix with the track’s dust, where history is rewritten with every steering wheel turn, and where tens of thousands of fans will witness the birth of a new champion — or a legend.
14.05.2025

Sport
A golf club Ridgewood will be opened in Parma: a large-scale project worth $12.3 million will operate as early as autumn
This fall, the renovated Ridgewood Golf Club Event Center / Clubhouse and community center are scheduled to open in Parma, Ohio. The $12.3 million capital reconstruction of the complex has become one of the largest recreational investments in the city in recent years.
The project is aimed not only at experienced golf players but also at the broad community — the space is intended to be accessible and attractive to everyone. Renovation and construction are proceeding on schedule, with opening planned for October 2025. The golf course continues to operate during the works.
The new facility, covering over 15,000 square feet, includes a lobby, event halls, a lounge area with grill partitions, a modern golf simulator room with six simulators, management offices, a bar, player shops, and additional services. An additional 5,000 square feet will be designated for an open interior courtyard.
Photo: Mike Holden
The project envisions space for weddings, celebrations, children's events, training sessions, and business meetings. The hall can be transformed for groups of up to 200 people and features a contemporary design with panoramic 14-foot windows offering views of the golf course. To emphasize aesthetics and completeness, landscape architects have even “flipped” the front and back nines of the course so that players’ final shots are visible to guests.
“This is revolutionary for our community. We want this space to become a place where both golf players and those simply looking to spend time with family or friends come together,” said Tony Vannello, director of the city’s Department of Service.
The upgraded infrastructure also includes practical amenities: a new area for golf carts, changing rooms, improved parking with ramps for people with disabilities, and safe pedestrian pathways. The building is designed with various scenarios of limited access in mind (for example, during pandemics) — each part of the complex has dedicated entrances and logistics.
The previous club building was demolished in 2022 due to its emergency condition — it was nearly 100 years old. Higley Construction is carrying out the reconstruction in partnership with the architectural studio American Structurepoint.
To support the renovated complex, the city has already planned the creation of new seasonal jobs and the introduction of a full-time event coordinator position.
An interesting note is that Parma’s city council plans to increase the course fee; however, city officials emphasize that this is not related to the reconstruction costs but simply reflects the overall rising expenses for personnel and maintenance. The game fee will increase by $1: nine holes for city residents will cost $16, and for non-residents — $17.
“This space is not just about sports. It’s about community, hospitality, and comfort. We want every resident to feel that it’s a place created for them,” Vannello concluded.
29.04.2025

Sport
60 Thousand Fans in Cleveland: Inter Miami Again Makes MLS History
On Saturday, «Inter Miami» defeated the reigning MLS Cup champion «Columbus Crew» with a minimal score of 1:0 at the packed «Huntington Bank Field» stadium in Cleveland. The author of the only goal was 20-year-old Benjamin Cremaski, who scored with a header in the 30th minute of the game.
The match set a new attendance record for «Crew» home games — 60,614 spectators, which also became the largest non-NFL event in the stadium's history, a traditional arena for «Cleveland Browns». The relocation of the game from Columbus to Cleveland was driven by overwhelming demand for tickets, fueled by the participation of global football star Lionel Messi.
This is already the second time this season that a match involving «Inter Miami» has attracted over 60 thousand fans on the road, and the ninth instance since Messi joined the club in 2023 when a «pink-black» team’s game garners such spectator attention.
The key moment of the match occurred at the 30th minute, when Marcelo Viagandt delivered a precise pass from the right flank into the penalty area, where Cremaski, outrunning «Crew» defender Malte Amundsen, directed the ball into the net past goalkeeper Patrick Schulte. This was the young American midfielder’s first goal of the season and the first «Inter Miami» goal not scored by Messi in the last 277 minutes of play.
Despite active involvement, Messi was unable to add to his goal tally — his best opportunity came at the end of the first half, when the Argentine slightly missed, shooting past the left post.
In the second half, the hosts intensified their efforts, but the reliable play of «Inter Miami» goalkeeper Oscar Ustari, who made three saves, helped keep a clean sheet and secure an important away victory.
After this win, «Inter Miami» remains among the leaders of the Eastern Conference with a record of 5 wins, 0 losses, and 3 draws, while «Columbus Crew» suffered their first loss of the season — 5 wins, 1 loss, 3 draws.
The next meeting of the teams is expected with no less interest, as tension in the East is mounting, and Messi’s participation in MLS matches attracts huge attention — not only on the pitch but also in the stands.
20.04.2025

Sport
Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat will face off in the first round of the 2025 NBA playoffs
In the first round of the 2024/2025 NBA playoffs, the «Cleveland Cavaliers» will host the «Miami Heat» — a historic matchup that promises to be tense and emotional. The first game of the series kicks off this Sunday, April 20th, at 7:00 PM at the «Cavs» home court — Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
After a dramatic play-in game on Friday evening, in which the «Miami Heat» defeated the «Atlanta Hawks» with a score of 123-114 in overtime, it was announced that the team from Florida will be the Cavaliers’ opponent. It is worth noting that the «Heat» became the first team in the history of the new Play-In format to, as a tenth seed, break into the main playoff bracket.
«Historically, it’s a great team. They are very strong on offense. But we are excited, we are ready for the challenge,» — commented Miami leader Tyler Herro after the game against the Hawks, gearing up for a serious confrontation with Cleveland.
During the regular season, the teams met three times: twice Cleveland celebrated victory, and only once—in December—the «Heat» managed to beat their opponent with a score of 122-113. In the January game in Miami, Cleveland took revenge convincingly, 126-106, and again secured a home victory in March — 112-107.
The «Cavs» coaching staff and players gained a clear understanding of their opponent only on Friday evening. Isaac Okoro noted after practice: «We’re focused. Watching videos, preparing for Sunday. Now that we know who we’re playing — we can work on the game plan.»
On Saturday, the team will undergo a detailed analysis of the opponent’s game, strategic training, and work on the starting lineup.
«Cavs» have the advantage of playing at home and boast a strong roster, but the experience of «Miami» in critical matches and the charisma of their leaders could pose a serious challenge for the young and ambitious team from Cleveland.
Will «Cleveland» be able to take advantage of the home starting series? The first answer will be given this Sunday at 7:00 PM.
19.04.2025