CLEVELAND — — Via two video games, the Cavaliers have been robust guys in these playoffs.
This yr, they’re the bullies.
Donovan Mitchell scored 23 factors, Jarrett Allen had 20 rebounds and Cleveland outlasted the Orlando Magic 96-86 on Monday evening in a second straight slugfest to take a 2-0 lead of their first-round Jap Convention sequence.
It’s been a powerful opening for the Cavs, who spent the common season ready for an opportunity to redeem themselves following final yr’s first-round exit towards the New York Knicks, who punished Cleveland in 5 video games.
The Cavs had been labeled comfortable, particularly Allen, who was criticized for saying “the lights had been too vivid.” They’ve flipped the script up to now.
“It’s extremely satisfying,” Allen stated. “It exhibits that we have grown not solely as a crew however as people. We’re not folding beneath strain. We do have our moments, however as a complete I really feel like we have taken an enormous step.”
Mitchell set the tone because the Cavs led from begin to end, simply as they did in Recreation 1.
Evan Mobley added 17 factors and Allen scored 16 — with 9 offensive rebounds — for Cleveland. He is the third participant in crew historical past to get 20 rebounds in a playoff recreation, becoming a member of Kevin Love (21) and Brad Daugherty (20).
“It means so much,” Allen stated. “It’s good firm.”
Paolo Banchero scored 21 factors and Franz Wagner 18 for the Magic, who’ve solely come again to win one playoff sequence in 13 tries when dropping the sequence opener. They’re now in a fair deeper gap.
As was the case in Recreation 1, the Magic couldn’t discover their capturing contact. They shot 36% from the ground, together with 9 of 35 on 3-pointers.
“We’ve obtained to make photographs, that’s the secret,” stated Banchero, who was 9 of 20. “It’s irritating for everyone whenever you preserve capturing and it’s not getting into. The way in which these two video games have gone, I don’t assume anybody thinks this may proceed after we come residence.”
Recreation 3 of the best-of-seven sequence is Thursday in Orlando, and Allen is anticipating one other bodily battle.
“First one to 85,” the 6-foot-11 Allen predicted. “lt’s been a defensive-minded sequence and let’s preserve it that manner.”
Magic guard Jalen Suggs went down with a sprained left knee within the first quarter. He collapsed to the ground after making contact with Mitchell and instantly grabbed his leg in ache. After being helped up, an emotional Suggs could not put any weight on his leg as he was carried to the locker room.
Nonetheless, the previous highschool soccer star returned after halftime with a sleeve on his leg. He completed with 9 factors and sparked a rally within the fourth quarter because the Magic scored 13 straight to drag inside 87-78.
Mitchell, although, checked again in and scored two fast baskets to revive order for the Cavs.
“We did some good issues,” Mitchell stated. “I am not mad on the manner we performed, however we may be higher.”
‘Suggs’ damage appeared to shake his teammates. The Magic had been solely 14-13 when he went out, however the Cavs closed the opening quarter with a 19-5 flurry to open a 12-point lead.
“It takes the wind out of your crew when our head of the snake on protection goes down,” Magic coach Jamahl Mosley stated. “He was in fairly a little bit of ache when he returned, so we’ll consider him after we get again residence.”
Suggs didn’t appear to be in any ache following the sport, and was assured he’d be good to go in Recreation 3.
“I’m good,” he stated. “I used to be capable of end. Will probably be cool to get again residence and get therapy for a few days. We play Thursday at 7 p.m. and I’ll be prepared.”
Garland’s layup with 9:09 left gave the Cavs a 22-point lead, permitting their towel-waving followers to let off some steam and rejoice Cleveland getting a second postseason win for the primary time since 2018.
Allen is aware of getting a 3rd win will not be simple.
“We all know after we go to their place, they’re going to be a very totally different crew,” he stated. “They’re going to have their residence crowd behind them. They don’t need it to get to 3-0. They’re simply going to attempt to come at us like we’ve been doing to them.”
UP NEXT
Orlando hosts its first playoff recreation since April 21, 2019. Will probably be Cleveland’s first postseason go to there because the 2009 convention finals.
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