By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Cleveland Cavaliers pulled off a stunning come-from-behind victory over the Orlando Magic during their win-or-go-home Game 7 duel, 106-94, to advance to the semifinal round of the NBA Playoffs on May 6, 2024.
Despite facing a massive 18-point deficit, the Cavaliers flipped the switch in the second half and banked on their rejuvenated offense to eliminate the inexperienced Orlando squad in the playoffs.
It was Orlando who struck first in the first half, led by their young superstar Paolo Banchero who steered the Magic to an 18-point advantage with his efficient shooting.
Banchero was just unstoppable in the first two quarters as he torched the Cavaliers with his deep offensive bag, hitting his perimeter jump shots at will while also bullying the thin frontcourt of Cleveland.
Jarrett Allen, Cleveland’s main center who is currently averaging a double-double in the first-round series, failed to suit up in their last three games due to a rib injury, leaving the Cavaliers with Evan Mobley to anchor the paint.
Just when the Magic thought they could continue with their rampage, Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland’s main gunner, spoiled them in the third quarter after going insane on the offensive end.
Mitchell went unconscious in the third quarter and carried the Cavaliers to a 33-15-point turnaround heading into the final quarter, lifting Cleveland out of the mud to retake the advantage.
Unfortunately for Orlando, their shooting percentage suddenly dipped in the second half as they just struggled to buy a bucket and recover after losing their lead.
In the second half, the Cavaliers outscored the Magic, 63-41, a huge difference from their first-half scoring where Orlando already reached 53 markers.
Mitchell spearheaded the Cleveland attack with 39 big points and shot an impressive 15/17 from the free-throw line.
Aside from his offensive prowess, Mitchell also stuffed the stat sheets after tallying nine rebounds, five assists, a steal, and a block.
Caris LeVert, Cleveland’s spitfire player off the bench, also stepped up when his team needed him the most as he chipped in 15 points, five rebounds, and four dimes.
With the series win over Orlando, the Cavaliers will next be facing the mighty Boston Celtics in the second round who are coming off a five-game thrashing of the Miami Heat.
