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CLEVELAND (AP) — The Cleveland Cavaliers entered the NBA playoffs tied with three other teams for the most 3-pointers made in a single quarter.
On Wednesday night, they claimed the record for themselves.
The Cavaliers established a new playoff benchmark by sinking 11 3-pointers in the second quarter against the Miami Heat during Game 2 of their first-round series in the Eastern Conference.
Cleveland shot an impressive 11 of 16 from long range in that quarter, taking a commanding 68-51 advantage by halftime after only leading by a single point at the end of the first. The top-seeded Cavaliers built a 19-point lead late in the third quarter but had to fend off a late push from the Heat to secure a 121-112 win and a 2-0 series lead.
“We’ve had numerous moments like that this season thanks to our talented shooters. Everyone was on fire,” said coach Kenny Atkinson. “It was a joy to behold. We have great passers and connectors, with excellent spacing and movement, combined with the necessary hustle and skill execution.”
Max Strus contributed three 3-pointers, while Sam Merrill, De’Andre Hunter, and Donovan Mitchell each added two. Mitchell recorded five assists in the quarter, all on 3-point shots.
EACH TRIPLE FROM CLEVELAND’S RECORD-SETTING QUARTER 🔥🔥
They are the first team since the 1997-98 season to register 11 or more 3-pointers in a single playoff quarter! #NBAPlayoffs, presented by Google https://t.co/zxtvRbXkL8pic.twitter.com/YAxGeUdhjE
— NBA (@NBA) April 24, 2025
“It went exactly as I envisioned it would. I anticipated that if I drove to the paint, the defense would collapse. The fact that everyone kept hitting shots is a testament to this special group,” stated Mitchell, who scored 30 points and made seven 3-pointers. “When you have that kind of versatility from beyond the arc, it creates real challenges for the opposing guards. That was evident in the second quarter.”
Prior to this game, the Cavaliers were one of four teams sharing the previous record of 10, which they set during a second-round series against Atlanta in 2016. Milwaukee, Phoenix, and Utah also hit 10 in playoff games in 2021, with Mitchell playing for the Jazz.
The all-time regular-season record for 3-pointers in a quarter stands at 12, a feat achieved six times.
As the top seed in the East, Cleveland ranked second in the league in both total 3-pointers made and 3-point shooting percentage behind Boston and Milwaukee, respectively, during the regular season.
The Cavaliers concluded the game by making 22 of 45 attempts from beyond the arc, which ties for the sixth-highest total in a playoff contest.
“When that happens, you need to maintain your composure and become even more determined. We defended four of those well, but once they hit seven or eight, I think our guys got a bit discouraged,” remarked Miami coach Erik Spoelstra.
