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Cavaliers become first team in the league to clinch a playoff spot with win over Heat

Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrates making a three-point basket during the first half against the Miami Heat at Rocket Arena on March 05, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)

The Cleveland Cavaliers are headed to the playoffs.

The Cavaliers became the first team in the league to clinch a playoff spot this season with their 112-107 win over the Miami Heat on Wednesday night. That officially sends the Cavaliers into the postseason for the third straight year, which marks their best stretch since they reached the NBA Finals in four consecutive seasons with LeBron James from 2015-18.

The win marked the Cavaliers' 12th straight, and secured a non-play-in tournament seed for the franchise. The first round of the playoffs will start on April 19.

Wednesday's win pushed the Cavaliers to 52-10 on the season, which is the best record in the league. The Oklahoma City Thunder are the only other team in the NBA to have 50 wins, though they entered play on Wednesday night with a 50-11 record. Both teams hold a significant lead in their respective conferences. The Boston Celtics entered Wednesday trailing Cleveland by more than seven games in the standings.