Kevin Love sparkles as Cleveland Cavaliers beat Miami Heat in Rio
Rio de Janeiro, Oct 12 (IANS) Kevin Love scored a game-high 25 points as the Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Miami Heat 122-119 in overtime in an NBA pre-season game here. The Heat recovered from a 20-point deficit to tie the game 105 apiece at the end of regulation play at Rio's HSBC Arena Saturday night, reports Xinhua.
In a dramatic finale, Miami's Shabazz Napier missed consecutive three-point attempts after Joe Harris netted twice from the free-throw line with seconds remaining. Chris Bosh top-scored for the Heat with 19 points while LeBron James finished with seven in a 20-minute cameo for the Cavs against his former team.
The result extends the Cavaliers' pre-season record to 2-0 while Miami have lost each of their opening three warmup matches. Despite the presence of superstars LeBron and Love, the crowd favourite was Cleveland's Brazilian centre Anderson Varejao.
The 32-year-old, who left Brazil in his teens to pursue an NBA career, admitted he fought back tears on the court.
"It was an incredible experience, an unbelievable atmosphere," Varejao said in a television interview after the match.
"I had to hold back tears twice. When they (the crowd) started to scream my name it was very difficult not to become overcome with emotion.
"I'm so happy to see my family here in Brazil and to be with my family from Cleveland. It's something I will never forget."
The Cavaliers were without Kyrie Irving for Saturday's clash after the point-guard sprained his right ankle while training during the week.