By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Cleveland Cavaliers quickly raced to a commanding 2-0 series lead over the Orlando Magic after a wire-to-wire win in Game 2 of their NBA Eastern Conference playoff matchup, 96-86, on April 23, 2024.
After scoring a 14-point win in Game 1, the Cavaliers followed it up with another double-digit win and successfully protected its home-court advantage against the Magic.
Donovan Mitchell was all gas no breaks for the Cavaliers after quickly erupting for 14 points in the first quarter alone and nearly outscored the entire Orlando mob after the first 12 minutes of action.
Mitchell’s insane offensive eruption steered Cleveland to a 30-18 advantage after the opening quarter and extended its lead to 14 points after outscoring the Magic in the following frame.
Despite a more aggressive approach by the Magic in scoring more points in the shaded lane in the second half, they just couldn’t solve the Mitchell puzzle and were getting schooled in the pick-and-roll action.
Mitchell ran the pick-and-roll at will and fed the duo of Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen, his two main frontcourts, during the crucial stretch of the third.
It was then all Cleveland in the final 12 minutes of the game as Mitchell closed out the quarter with several hockey assists highlights that helped maintain their double-digit cushion.
Mitchell finished the Game 2 victory with 23 points, eight rebounds, four assists, a steal, and a block to rack his second straight 20-point playoff game of the season.
Backstopping Mitchell was Mobley who became Cleveland’s second-highest scorer with 17 markers, seven rebounds, an assist, and a block.
Meanwhile, veteran two-way center Allen stuffed the stat sheets for the Cavaliers and nabbed another double-double performance of 16 points, 20 rebounds, three blocks, three assists, and two steals.’
The Cavaliers will look to snatch a road game in Orlando to go up 3-0 on April 26, 2024, while the Magic aim to avoid a dangerous winless campaign in front of their home fans.
