Magic Demolish Cavs in Game Three

After losing the first two games of this series, the Orlando Magic went back to their home court with something to prove. The Magic did not want to go down 3-0 in this series, and this young inexperienced playoff team wanted to show they have what it takes to deal with one of the league’s best teams. Orlando’s 121-83 dominating and near 40-point win proved that this team has the talent, and the potential to be special in the near future. This 38-point loss is the Cleveland Cavaliers’ worst playoff in franchise history. Will the Cavs fight back to win Game Four, or will this bad play spread throughout this first-round series? 

Orlando finished the first quarter with a ten-point lead, and by the time both teams headed into halftime, the Magic’s lead grew to 16. The Magic’s offense wouldn’t slow down during the second half. In the third quarter, Orlando outscored the Cavaliers 35-16, taking a ridiculous 35-point lead. The Cavs could not compete with the Magic’s explosive play and were handed their single worst playoff loss in their franchise’s history. Cleveland shot just 39 percent from the field, and 24 percent from three. They were outrebounded 51-32 and committed six more turnovers than the Magic. Orlando was huge on the offensive glass, pulling down 14 offensive rebounds compared to Cleveland’s five. The Cavs must improve and take a game on the road before this series becomes tied at two games apiece. 

Paolo Banchero led the Magic with 31 points along with 14 rebounds, five assists, and a steal. Jalen Suggs scored 24 points in 28 minutes in addition to having four rebounds, three assists, and two steals. Franz Wagner had 16 points in the Magic’s big-time victory. For Cleveland, both Jarrett Allen, and Caris LeVert recorded 15 points each, while Donovan Mitchell scored 13 on six of 16 shooting in the loss.