The Cleveland Cavaliers’ impressive 16-game winning streak came as a dramatic halt as Orlando’s magic pulled away from a thrilling comeback and secured a 108-103 victory on the road.
Despite scoring 13 points at halftime, Orlando came together behind the outstanding performances of Paolo Banchelo and Franz Wagner. The Bunchelo led the charge with 24 points, 11 rebounds and 7 assists, while Wagner added 22 points and 8 rebounds. The magical dominant 35-23 third quarter performance changed the tide and set the stage for a rough fourth quarter battle.
Already trapped in the postseason, Cleveland saw control as Donovan Mitchell’s layup extended the lead to 91-84 in the final period. However, Orlando responded with key baskets of Wagner, Kentavia Coldwell Pope and Banchelo, silenced a powerful crowd of 19,432 at the Rocket Mortgage Field House.
Statement victory Orlando Magic
After putting together a five-game road trip, the magic improved to 32-37, solidifying its position in the Eastern Conference playoff hunt. Banchelo emphasized the importance of victory:
“We knew this was going to be the toughest game of travel. To come here and beat one of the best teams in the league is a big win.”
On the other side, Mitchell paced Cleveland with 23 points, with Jarrett Allen and Darius Garland adding 20 and 19 respectively. Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson acknowledged Orlando’s efforts.
“Great trust in them. This league will make you humble and fast. I don’t guarantee anything to win 16 straights. Every night is a fight.”
Western Conference highlights
Meanwhile, the Oklahoma City Thunder continued to dominate, beating the Milwaukee Bucks 121-105. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led OKC, improving to 56-12 with 31 points and eight assists, maintaining a comfortable lead at the top of the Western Conference.
The Los Angeles Lakers took on a four-game winning streak with a key 107-96 victory over the Phoenix Suns. Luka Donsic won with 33 points and Austin Reeves was missing at 28. That loss further weakened the Suns’ playoff hopes by sitting just outside the play-in spot.
Elsewhere, Quentin Grimes torched the former team and scored 28 points to lift the Philadelphia 76ers past the Dallas Mavericks 130-125. James Harden’s 31 points brought the La Clippers to win the Charlotte Hornets a dominant 123-88, while Cameron Johnson’s 28 points helped the Brooklyn Nets sprint through the Atlanta Hawks 122-114.
As the regular season ends, all games carry weight as jockeys for teams for playoff positioning. One thing is certain: racing into the postseason gets heated.
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