Mitchell, strong defense help Cavs secure Game 1 against Magic
Goforitradio Staff
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On Saturday, the Cleveland Cavaliers(4) began their first-round series at home against the Orlando Magic(5).
Cleveland, who lost to the Knicks in the first round in five last season, was looking to get out of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals for the first time since 2018.
The Cavs, displaying their dominance, never trailed in this one and led by as many as 20 points, ultimately defeating the Magic 97-83.
Cleveland leads the series 1-0.
Here’s the Great, Not-So-Great, and the Bottom Line of the Cavs’ win over the Magic.
Great:
Donovan Mitchell was big for the Cavs, scoring a game-high 30 points. Mitchell set the tone early by scoring 10 points in the first quarter, and he helped put it away in the fourth, adding nine points. He’s the Cavs’ best player, and he showed that in Game 1.
Evan Mobley scored 10 of his 16 points in the first quarter and added 11 rebounds to go with three blocks. He and Mitchell got the Cavs off to a great start. Mobley was 3/5 from the field, including 2/3 from deep in the first quarter.
Jarrett Allen was a monster on the boards and dominated the paint for the Cavs. Allen had 16 points and a game-high 18 rebounds. Cleveland outrebounded the Magic 54-40, and Allen and Mobley were a big reason why.
Defense: The Cavs held the Magic to 83 points on 33% shooting. The Magic had two sub-20 quarters(15 in the second and 17 in the third). This is how you defend if you want to be successful in the playoffs.
Not-So-Great:
Turnovers: Cleveland had 18 turnovers, which led to 19 points for the Magic. The Cavs have to clean that up in Game 2.
Bench Points: The Cavs got little from their bench on Saturday. They got 14 points from their bench. Cleveland may need more from the bench in Game 2.
Bottom Line:
Cleveland gets Game 1, and history tells us that it’s a good thing for the Cavs. When they take Game 1, the franchise is 17-1 in first-round series.
This team started well, and they finished well in Game 1. They brought great energy on defense and fed off the home crowd. Obviously, the Magic want to get Game 2, so they will play much better. If Cleveland wants to sweep the first two games of the series, they must play better than they did today.
What’s Next:
The crucial Game 2 is set for Monday night in Cleveland(7 PM).
Best of the Rest:
Darius Garland added 14 points and eight assists.
Paolo Banchero had 24 points, seven rebounds, and five assists for the Magic, who had five players in double figures. Banchero also had nine turnovers. Franz Wagner added 18 points.
