MIAMI — (AP) The Miami Heat got another win, and for a change it came relatively easily.
Jimmy Butler had 28 points and 12 rebounds, Bam Adebayo returned from a knee issue and finished with 14 points, nine rebounds and six assists, and the Heat (22-18) eased past the Cleveland Cavaliers 113-98 on Tuesday night. Miami won for the 11th time in its last 12 games.
Collin Sexton scored 21 for Cleveland, which got 16 points and eight rebounds from JaVale McGee in 21 minutes on 8-for-10 shooting. Unfortunately, it was the Cavs' fourth loss in as many games, and their 19th straight defeat in Miami since 2010.
Kevin Love was not in the lineup as he continues to deal with the effects of a calf injury. The five-time All-Star has played in only four games this season after first hurting himself back in December.
At 14-25, the Cavaliers are still only 3 1/2 games back of 10th place in the Eastern Conference, which would put them in the NBA's play-in round for a spot in the playoffs. They won't have much time to lick their wounds after this loss, as they will host the Boston Celtics Wednesday night at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
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