Cavaliers Lose to the Magic 103-96: Playoff Game Recap Game 6 / Round 1

Post-Game Recap

3 Notes Around the Loss

1 – Mitchell scores 50 in a loss

Donovan Mitchell had a big night, scoring 50 points, but his teammates were nowhere to be found when it counted. Mitchell scored all 18 points in the fourth quarter, and the Cavs were outscored 30-18 in the final period.

2 – Boards

The Cavs were outrebounded in the year’s biggest game, 48-38.

3 – Injuries mounting

There was no Jarrett Allen on Friday, and Evan Mobley also had injury troubles in the middle of the game but did come back in the 2nd half.

Game Recap

Paolo Banchero’s standout performance propelled the Orlando Magic to a crucial victory, scoring 10 of his 27 points in the fourth quarter to secure a 103-96 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday night, forcing a decisive Game 7 in their first-round NBA playoff series.

Following a near-heartbreaking loss where Banchero tallied 39 points just days ago, the 21-year-old phenom displayed his leadership by leading the Magic to a pivotal win. Alongside Banchero’s heroics, Franz Wagner contributed 26 points, while Jalen Suggs added 22, including six 3-pointers.

Despite Donovan Mitchell’s remarkable 50-point performance for Cleveland, the Magic managed to edge past the Cavaliers, with Banchero sealing the victory with a crucial 3-pointer that gave Orlando the lead for good at 92-89.

Game 7 awaits in Cleveland, where the Cavs have shown dominance throughout the series. However, the Magic, fueled by their recent successes, are eager to claim their first playoff series win in over a decade.

Orlando’s strategic adjustments, including inserting Jonathan Isaac into the starting lineup and shifting Wagner to guard, paid dividends, presenting a formidable lineup that Cleveland struggled to contain.

Despite Cleveland’s efforts, including a strong showing from Darius Garland, who finished with 21 points, and adjustments to their lineup due to Jarrett Allen’s absence, the Cavaliers fell short, unable to overcome their poor 3-point shooting.

As the series reaches its climax, both teams are poised for an intense showdown in Game 7, with the Magic aiming to make history while the Cavaliers seek to end their postseason drought.

Up Next

At Home Game 7 Sunday, May 5th 1PM