Cavaliers Beat the Magic 126-99: Game Recap 1/22/24

Post-Game Recap

3 Key Factors Around the Victory

1 – Marvelous Mitchell

Donovan Mitchell was excellent, scoring 25, including 13 assists. 

2 – Cavs Bench

The Cleveland bench was a significant difference again, scoring 60 points, led by Sam Merrill’s team-high 26.

3 – Jarrett Allen

Jarrett Allen tied a team record with his 12th double-double in a row, tying a team record. 

Game Summary

In the first half, Sam Merrill showcased his scoring prowess with 20 of his 26 points, propelling the Cleveland Cavaliers to their eighth consecutive victory, a decisive 126-99 triumph over the Orlando Magic on Monday night.

Donovan Mitchell contributed significantly with 25 points and 13 assists for the Cavaliers, who demonstrated sharpshooting accuracy by making 53% of their 3-point attempts (20 for 38). Cleveland maintained control throughout the game, never trailing and building a commanding 36-point lead by midway through the fourth quarter.

Remarkably, the Cavaliers’ eight-game winning streak is just one short of the NBA’s longest this season, previously achieved by the Magic and the Los Angeles Clippers. Notably, this impressive run has been accomplished without the contributions of Darius Garland and Evan Mobley, the team’s second- and third-leading scorers.

Jarrett Allen, although not scoring until the Cavs had a 21-point lead, set a franchise record with his 12th consecutive double-double, concluding the game with 14 points and 11 rebounds.

Paolo Banchero provided 18 points and six assists for the Magic, while Franz Wagner, returning after missing eight games with a sprained ankle, contributed 17 points in 24 minutes of play in the second half.

The Cavaliers quickly asserted their dominance in the opening minutes, with Max Strus, Isaac Okoro, Dean Wade, and Mitchell all sinking 3-pointers to establish an 18-7 lead. Sam Merrill continued the onslaught, making all four of his 3-point attempts in the first quarter and adding a fifth early in the second period, propelling Cleveland to a 48-27 advantage.

Merrill, typically averaging 8.1 points per game, showcased his sharpshooting skills by finishing 8 of 13 from the field—all of which came from beyond the 3-point arc.

Up Next

At Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday.