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Cavaliers Struggle with Key Injuries Amid Tough Start

11/13/2025

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Cavaliers Face Injuries

The Cleveland Cavaliers began the season without key player Darius Garland, who underwent surgery for a toe injury.
Garland returned briefly but re-injured himself in a game against the Miami Heat, which the Cavaliers lost 140-138 in overtime.
In the following rematch against the Heat, Donovan Mitchell was rested, leaving the team without Garland and Evan Mobley as well.
The Cavaliers will depend on Lonzo Ball and De’Andre Hunter to stay competitive in the Eastern Conference amid these injuries.

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Heat Triumph Overtime

The Miami Heat defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 140-138 in overtime on November 10, 2025.
Andrew Wiggins scored the game-winning dunk off a designed inbounds play created by assistant coach Chris Quinn.
The Heat played without Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro, while Norman Powell led with 33 points.
The Cavaliers lost Darius Garland to an injury and will rest several players, including Donovan Mitchell, in their upcoming rematch.

History

Historical Context

The 2025 NBA playoffs highlighted the league's evolving dynamics, with the Oklahoma City Thunder defeating the Indiana Pacers in a historic Game 7, marking the first Finals appearance for both franchises since their relocations. This victory crowned the Thunder as the seventh unique champion in seven years, underscoring the league's "parity era" that began after the 2019 season, contrasting previous dynastic dominance.

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Cavaliers Face Injuries

The Cleveland Cavaliers began the season without key player Darius Garland, who underwent surgery for a toe injury.
Garland returned briefly but re-injured himself in a game against the Miami Heat, which the Cavaliers lost 140-138 in overtime.
In the following rematch against the Heat, Donovan Mitchell was rested, leaving the team without Garland and Evan Mobley as well.
The Cavaliers will depend on Lonzo Ball and De’Andre Hunter to stay competitive in the Eastern Conference amid these injuries.

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