CLEVELAND _ One down. Two more to go.
While there is nothing sexy about a three-game stretch against the Cleveland Cavaliers, New York Knicks and Chicago Bulls, it remains one that likely defines the Miami Heat's standing at the All-Star break ... if not beyond.
So on a trip that includes executives Pat Riley, Andy Elisburg, Chet Kammerer and Shane Battier in the traveling party, the Heat completed the first of their salvage missions, this time with a 100-94 victory Friday night over the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena.
With Justise Winslow scoring 27 points, one off his career high, and Hassan Whiteside contributing 14 points and 13 rebounds, the Heat finally seized control with a 32-17 third period that included overcoming an eight-point deficit in the quarter.
Playing in the absence of guard Dion Waiters, who was unable to go because of a migraine, the Heat got their turnovers under control and were able to overcome shaky early foul shooting.
With the Cavaliers still without Kevin Love due to a foot injury, the ultimate challenge for the Heat was controlling replacement power forward Cedi Osman, who closed with a career-high 29 points.
The Heat had to sweat out the finish after building an 18-point lead, with the Cavaliers closing within 97-90 with 1:25 to play. Ante Zizic then converted a free throw with 69 seconds left to draw Cleveland within 97-91, with the Heat holding on from there, despite a late Alec Burks 3-pointer.
Up next for the Heat is Sunday's game at Madison Square Garden against the Knicks, to be followed by a Wednesday home game against the Bulls.
