Donovan Mitchell delivered another stellar performance to propel the Cleveland Cavaliers past the Orlando Magic in Game 7 of their first-round series, securing a spot in the Eastern Conference semifinals. Mitchell’s 39-point explosion, coupled with his dominant play in the third quarter, guided the Cavaliers to a 106-94 victory at home.
The Cavaliers, led by Mitchell’s heroics, rallied from an 18-point deficit to clinch their fourth win at home in the series. Mitchell’s remarkable display of scoring prowess, complemented by nine rebounds and five assists, showcased his leadership and determination on the court.
Caris LeVert and Max Strus contributed to the Cavaliers’ victory with 15 and 13 points, respectively, off the bench. Despite missing All-Star center Jarrett Allen due to injury, Cleveland displayed resilience and depth to overcome adversity and secure the series win.
With the series victory, the fourth-seeded Cavaliers advance to face the top-seeded Boston Celtics in the conference semifinals. Mitchell emphasized the need for improvement despite the team’s success, acknowledging the challenges that lie ahead against a formidable opponent like Boston.
Orlando’s Paolo Banchero impressed with a 38-point, 16-rebound performance in his first career Game 7, but it wasn’t enough to prevent the Magic from falling short. Wendell Carter Jr. and Jalen Suggs also contributed to Orlando’s efforts with double-digit scoring outputs.
Cleveland’s comeback was fueled by Mitchell’s explosive third quarter, during which he single-handedly propelled his team to a two-point lead. Mitchell’s clutch plays down the stretch, combined with key contributions from his teammates, sealed the Cavaliers’ victory and secured their spot in the next round of the playoffs.
Cavaliers coach J.B. Bickerstaff praised Mitchell’s performance under pressure, highlighting his ability to rise to the occasion when it mattered most. Despite Orlando’s resilience, Cleveland’s resilience and determination ultimately proved too much for the Magic to overcome.