In Game 3 of the first round of the NBA playoffs, the Heat played against the Cavaliers at home. In the first two games, the Cavaliers didn't encounter much difficulty at home and eventually led the Heat 2-0 in the big score. In this game, Garland was absent due to injury.

At the beginning of the game, Adebayo and Wafer combined to attack both inside and outside, leading the team to a good start with a score of 12-4. Jerome immediately started dishing out assists. Hunter and Allen continuously attacked the basket, and the Cavaliers launched a super scoring run of 18-0 to take the lead. Strus hit a buzzer-beating three-pointer at the end of the first quarter to help the Cavaliers lead by 13 points. In the second quarter, after both teams exchanged three-pointers, their shooting percentages dropped. The Heat still had a lot of turnovers. The Cavaliers extended their lead with a 7-0 run. Subsequently, the Cavaliers' inside players continued to dunk, and they led by 20 points at halftime. In the second half, the Cavaliers only scored 2 points in more than 4 minutes, allowing the Heat to catch up. However, Mitchell, Hunter, and Jerome each hit a three-pointer in succession to strongly respond and stabilize the situation. The Cavaliers led by 24 points after three quarters. In the final quarter, both teams continued to battle with a lead of around twenty points. The Cavaliers were able to respond and expand their lead. In the end, the Cavaliers defeated the Heat 124-87, taking a 3-0 lead in the total score and earning a match point.

Statistics of both teams:

Cavaliers (3-0): Allen had 22 points, 9 rebounds, and 1 assist; Hunter had 21 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists; Mobley had 19 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists; Strus had 18 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists; Jerome had 13 points, 3 rebounds, 11 assists, and 2 steals; Mitchell had 13 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 assist; Okoro had 9 points and 1 rebound; Tyson had 7 points, 2 rebounds, and 1 assist; Jawant Green had 2 points, 1 rebound, and 1 assist; Wade had 4 rebounds and 2 assists; Merrill had 2 rebounds and 1 assist; TT had 2 rebounds; Craig Porter had 2 assists.

Heat (0-3): Adebayo had 22 points, 9 rebounds, and 1 assist; Mitchell had 16 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists; Herro had 13 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists; Wiggins had 10 points, 1 rebound, 3 assists, and 2 blocks; Wafer had 8 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists; Larsson had 6 points, 2 rebounds, and 1 assist; Duncan Robinson had 6 points; Jovic had 3 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists; Hay 史密斯 had 3 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, and 2 steals.