MAGIC
The Orlando Magic shocked Cleveland 108-103 on Sunday, ending the Cavaliers’ 16-game winning run with 24 points from Paolo Banchero and 22 from Franz Wagner.
The Eastern Conference leaders failed to put away the Magic in the closing minutes, as the Cavaliers suffered their first defeat since February 4. In the last minute, All-Star Donovan Mitchell had three of Cleveland’s five missed shots.
Banchero’s 16-foot jumper pushed the Magic ahead 104-103, and with 31 seconds remaining, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope hit two free throws to give Orlando a three-point lead after De’Andre Hunter of Cleveland missed a badly attempted 3-pointer.
On Cleveland’s subsequent play, Max Strus missed a chance to tie the game with a 3-pointer, and Orlando’s defense rushed Mitchell, who missed two 3s.
Banchero contributed 11 rebounds and seven assists despite only shooting 6 of 22. Orlando’s Wendell Carter Jr. contributed 16 points and 14 rebounds.
Mitchell finished with 23 points after missing two games due to a strained groin. The Cavaliers, who were denied the opportunity to become the first team since Phoenix in 2021 to win 17 straight games, had 20 points and 12 rebounds from Jarrett Allen.
Due to a foot injury, All-Star forward Evan Mobley was unable to participate for the NBA-leading Cavaliers.
Magic: Orlando may not appear to be the same team that defeated Cleveland in seven games during the previous season’s playoffs because to the season-ending injuries sustained by Mo Wagner and Jalen Suggs. But by handing the Cavaliers only their second loss in 22 games, the Magic showed a great deal of tenacity.
Cavaliers: Cleveland needs to play better in the closing minutes of games before the playoffs.
A pivotal moment
The Cavaliers had an eight-point lead late in the third quarter when they committed three turnovers in 27 seconds. The Magic scored ten points in a row with new vitality.
A significant statistic
Hunter lost for the first time in 14 games after moving from Atlanta to Cleveland on a deadline transaction.
Next up
The Magic will host the Rockets on Wednesday. The Cavaliers start a five-game road trip against the Clippers on Tuesday.
