The Cleveland Cavaliers are creeping closer to the second round of the NBA Playoffs. Their rim protection against the Orlando Magic-led Paolo Banchero and the rest of their squad who are dependent on attacking the rim could not do much against the personnel of JB Bickerstaff’s Cavs. Donovan Mitchell popped off and not a single guard from the opposing team could stop him.
Going 11 for 21 on his field goal percentage is insane for Donovan Mitchell. Not even All-Defens-caliber guard Jalen Suggs could slow him down. Donovan Mitchell was a man on a mission for the Cavs and it showed. However, he did not feel comfortable about just having one game up Paolo Banchero’s team, via Evan Danmarrell of Right Down Euclid.
“It’s great to get a win. It’s felt good. I won’t tell you how it feels until we get a 4-0 and another one and another one and another one,” he declared.
Donovan Mitchell ended the first game of the NBA Playoffs with 30 points within 36 minutes. The Cavs star guard also managed to drop three assists. He was also able to grab two rebounds to help the team on the boards.
The astounding guard was not alone for the Cavs. Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen were strong presences on the inside to beat the Magic with a 97 to 83 scoreline. The two big men combined for 32 points while also ripping 29 boards. This also nets both stars a big double-double as no one from the Magic could outclass or outbid them.
Important key players like Darius Garland and Max Strus also stepped in for the Cavs, The two big pieces off the bench unit collectively finished with 21 points alongside 12 rebounds and nine dimes with eight of them coming from Garland.
Cavs notch a big lead
© David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
It was a field day for the Cavs. Hopefully, it says the same within this seven-game series. They limited Paolo Banchero to a horrid nine out of 17 field goal shooting percentage. The young king of the boards was also not able to lead the Magic. He was just able to record six of his shots on defense and a single offensive offensive turn. The worst part was that the Magic’s young king could not fully unleash his full offensive arsenal.
He recorded an unfortunate nine turnovers to just five lousy turnovers. This leaves a lot to make up to make up for the Cavs but also means that the Cavs ended up in tragedy after the first game of the NBA Playoffs’ Round 1. Praying that you guys make it out and win over the other St. Luke’s professionals by the end of the day. Hopefully, you guys can make it to your nursing shifts without anyone going AWOL or leaving the hospital without any help.