In this edition of “This Week In Cavs History,” we revisit a remarkable event that unfolded 32 years ago on December 17, 1991, at the Richfield Coliseum. The Cleveland Cavaliers orchestrated an unprecedented display of dominance, demolishing the Miami Heat with a final score of 148-80.
Unparalleled Blowout:
Describing this victory as a blowout is an understatement. The Cavs, led by seven players scoring in double figures, boasted an impressive 57.3 percent field goal percentage and recorded 39 assists on 59 field goals. The game’s narrative took an astonishing turn after the first quarter, where the Cavs held a modest 34-24 lead. The ensuing three quarters told a different story: 39-29, 33-14, and 42-13, culminating in an outrageous 58-point margin in the final 36 minutes.
Efficiency Across the Board:
While individual stats may not have screamed loudly, the efficiency was truly remarkable. Mark Price contributed 18 points and 11 assists in just 17 minutes, while Brad Daugherty added 17 points, seven rebounds, and three assists. Double-doubles came from Danny Ferry (11 points and 11 rebounds in 18 minutes) and Winston Bennett (11 points and 10 rebounds). Bench players, including John Battle with 18 points and Henry James with 17 points, made significant contributions.
Historic Victory:
The Cavs dominated the boards with a commanding 59-41 rebound advantage over Miami Heat. At that time, the 68-point win set a new record for the largest margin of victory in NBA history, surpassing the previous record held by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1971-72 season with a 162-99 win over the Golden State Warriors.
Record Overtaken:
The Cavs’ historic record remained untouched until the 2021-22 season when the Memphis Grizzlies secured a 152-79 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on December 2, 2021, boasting a staggering 73-point win. The 1991 Cavaliers’ monumental achievement still stands as a testament to one of the most dominant performances in NBA history.
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