Magic Upset in Cleveland
Cleveland, OH — The Orlando Magic delivered a stunning upset away from home as they took down the best team in the Eastern Conference, the Cleveland Cavaliers, 108-103 to snap their impressive 16-game winning streak.
Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner led the charge once again as the Magic were able to go toe to toe against the Eastern Conference leaders throughout the game and comeback from down 13 in this contest. This was the Cavaliers’ franchise-high 16-game win streak, and their third 14+ win streak this season, now ended by the Orlando Magic.
Key Injury Report Updates
Orlando had Cole Anthony (left big toe strain) return to this game after missing Friday’s game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, but he unfortunately had to leave the game in the first quarter after re-aggravating his strain. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope also returned after resting last game and dropped an efficient 15 points in about 30 minutes of action.
Cleveland was missing All-Star and Defensive Player of the Year candidate Evan Mobley (bruised foot), a significant absence to their defense that ultimately allowed this Magic squad to get the edge over the Cavs.
Banchero and Wagner Power the Win
Paolo Banchero, despite a weak 6-of-22 shooting night, finished with a near triple-double, dropping 24 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists, for a well-rounded impact on the game. His clutch shot late in the game gave Orlando a 104-103 lead and ended up being the dagger on the evening.
Franz Wagner added 22 points and 8 rebounds on a more efficient 42.1% shooting. Wendell Carter Jr. also had an incredible game with his ninth double-double of the season where he poured in 16 points and grabbed a a game-high 14 rebounds, showing his dominance on the glass.
Late-Game Heroics
The Magic’s victory hinged on their defense in the final minute, where they forced Cleveland into five missed shots, including three from Donovan Mitchell.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope’s two free throws with 31 seconds left extended the lead to three and put the game out of reach for the Cavaliers. Anthony Black chipped in 17 points off the bench, hitting all three of his three-pointers, and provided a spark for the Magic as he had his best game of this five-game road trip.
Cavaliers Falter Down the Stretch
Cleveland was led by Mitchell’s 23 points, Darius Garland’s 19 points, and Jarrett Allen’s 20 points and 12 rebound double-double, but it wasn’t enough to fend off a Magic comeback.
The Cavaliers’ inefficiencies ultimately led to their downfall, as the team couldn’t get around their poor 41.7% field goal shooting and their 25.0% three-point shooting with the Magic locking them down defensively.
Hard-Fought Road Trip
The Magic’s 42.0% field goal percentage and 41.9% from three were able to help them gain the edge over Cleveland’s efficiency, and their 11 steals highlighted a scrappy defensive effort for Orlando as they seemed to be getting their groove back.
This gritty win showcases that Orlando is still in this playoff hunt out East, even amidst roster challenges, and positions them as a threat to sneak past the Play-In Tournament.
Next up, the Magic return home to face the Houston Rockets on Wednesday evening as they get to celebrate snapping one of the most impressive win streaks in the NBA right now.