In a thrilling showdown, the Orlando Magic rallied behind Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner to force a decisive Game 7 in the Eastern Conference first-round series, clinching a hard-fought 103-96 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Banchero showcased his scoring prowess with 27 points, while Wagner contributed 26, propelling the fifth-seeded Magic to victory. Jalen Suggs also made a significant impact with 22 points, sinking six 3-pointers to bolster Orlando’s offense.
Despite an impressive 50-point performance from Donovan Mitchell, the fourth-seeded Cavaliers couldn’t seal the deal, allowing the Magic to even the best-of-seven series at three wins apiece. This intense matchup marks Orlando’s first Game 7 since the 2009 playoffs.
With the series deadlocked, the stage is set for a thrilling finale as the Magic head to Cleveland for Game 7. Both teams have demonstrated their dominance at home throughout the series, setting the stage for an electrifying showdown with a spot in the conference semifinals on the line, where they’ll face the top-seeded Boston Celtics.
Mitchell’s offensive onslaught kept the Cavaliers in contention, shooting 22 of 36 from the floor, while Darius Garland added 21 points. Mitchell’s heroics included scoring all 18 of his team’s points in the fourth quarter, showcasing his clutch play.
However, Orlando remained resilient down the stretch, with Banchero, Cole Anthony, and Suggs stepping up to secure crucial baskets. Banchero’s timely 3-pointer and layup, coupled with Anthony’s key tip-in, propelled the Magic to a late lead that Cleveland couldn’t overcome.
Despite Mitchell’s valiant efforts, the Cavaliers fell short in the final moments, unable to bridge the gap as Orlando held on for the crucial victory. Suggs’ clutch free throw and Evan Mobley’s missed opportunity sealed the win for the Magic, setting the stage for an epic Game 7 showdown in Cleveland.
As the series heads to its dramatic conclusion, both teams will look to leave everything on the court, knowing that only one will advance to the next round. With emotions running high and the stakes at their peak, Game 7 promises to be a memorable battle for both teams and their fans.
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