Magic Lose to Cavs by 40 Points

Orlando, FL— Out-physical, out-played, and simply out-matched is what the Magic were tonight as they lost to the Cavaliers 122-82 on their home court.

Jamahl Mosley was visibly upset in his post-game press conference and delivered what felt like a message of defeat in his opening statement. 

“There is no rhyme or reason we got our butts kicked,” Mosley said. “You give Cleveland a ton of credit for how they’re playing and what they’re doing. We didn’t play our style of basketball.”

Mosley added: “I do appreciate that we ask the questions, and try to figure out what the problem is. Again, give them credit for being where they’re right now, how hard they played — You have to give them credit for being the best team in the NBA for a reason.”

Emphasis on How Important Tonight’s Game Was

Before tonight’s game, sitting as the seventh seed in the East, and on the outside looking in for a playoff berth, the Magic understand that every game to close out this season has become that much more important.

Going into the 60th game of the season, and a game below .500, Wendell Carter Jr talked about the importance of tonight’s matchup versus the Cavs with Magic reporters at shoot-around this afternoon.

“Must win. With everything that’s at stake, with us trying to get into the playoffs,” Carter Jr said. “With it being the Cleveland Cavaliers that we’re playing. The level of basketball that they’re playing right now. Statistically, they’re an NBA finals team right now, so it’ll be a great test for us.”

Carter Jr added: “When we’re locked in and doing what we’re supposed to be doing, night-in and night-out. I feel like we can compete with anyone in this league.”

Head Coach Jamahl Mosley reiterated a similar sentiment to the media talking about the importance of tonight’s game. 

“I mean, every game is important. These are games that you ‘want’ to win, and you’re going out to get the win,” Mosley stated. “It’s also how you’re playing basketball — And we’re playing pretty good basketball right now.”

Cavs Take Control of the Game

Cleveland came into tonight’s game having won 11 of their last 12 contests and being one of two teams in the league to remain undefeated since the trade deadline. The Cavs didn’t skip a beat as they took control of this game from tipoff to the final buzzer.

In that first period of play, Cleveland asserted their dominance scoring 34 points while shooting a blistering 11 of 25 (44%) from the field and 6 of 13 (46.2%) from distance. It was Max Strus who got it going early for the Cavs connecting on back-to-back threes to start the game before newly acquired Deandre Hunter would nail three straight shots from distance to continue extending Cleveland’s lead. 

To begin the game, Cleveland simply outrebounded, out-schemed, and overall looked like the more prepared team to come out of the gates. 

The Cavs would lead by as much as 23 points in that first half before the Magic went on a little run to gain some momentum. Cole Anthony knocked down back-to-back triples and gave the Magic some life before the break. Cleveland would still lead Orlando 57-43 going into the halftime locker room.

Cleveland would come out in the second half and pick up right where they left off. Led by Donovan Mitchell they opened up on a 14-5 run and were in control for the rest of the game. The Cavs outscored the Magic 65-45 in the second half and never allowed this game to get close.

Banchero Frustrated

Just last season the Magic were neck-and-neck with the Cavs in a seven-game series, and fast forward to today and they got blown off their home court by 40 points. Banchero talked about how far off the Magic are from playing at the level Cleveland is currently playing at.

“I mean, they’re better than us. They proved that tonight — So I wouldn’t even say that we’re on that level,” Banchero said. “They’re probably the best team in the league right now. And we weren’t able to compete with them tonight. I think that was obvious.” 

Banchero added: “You know, last year was a different year. They got different players. We got different players. So you can’t point to last year, you know, this is a whole different season.”

Final Numbers

Cleveland felt nearly perfect today scoring 122 points while shooting 45 of 80 (56.3%) from the floor, 19 of 32 (59.4%) from distance, and winning the rebound battle 47 to 35. 

The Magic on the other end scored less than 100 points for the 24th time this season, and they’re 3-21 in such games. Orlando shot a terrible 33 of 90 (36.7%) from the field, and 5 of 28 (17.9%) from deep, and the team looked lifeless out there.

Orlando had little to no pulse in this game and the Magic have a ton of work to do moving forward as they now drop to 29-31 on the season.