Paolo Banchero scored 27 factors and Franz Wagner added 26 because the Orlando Magic compelled a Recreation 7 within the Jap Convention first-round collection with a 103-96 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday.
Jalen Suggs sank six 3-pointers to spotlight his 22-point efficiency for the fifth-seeded Magic, who overcame 50 factors by Donovan Mitchell to even the best-of-seven collection at three wins apiece. Orlando compelled its first Recreation 7 for the reason that 2009 playoffs.
The Magic will go to Cleveland on Sunday afternoon for Recreation 7 in a collection that has featured the house workforce successful the primary six video games. The winner of Sunday’s recreation will advance to the convention semifinals to sq. off towards the top-seeded Boston Celtics.
“That is the second that you simply play for,” Orlando coach Jamahl Mosley mentioned about Recreation 7. “It’s why you do it. You do it for these moments. So being on the highway, Recreation 7, the flexibility to return collectively to proceed to develop in every recreation. I feel that what this group is wanting ahead to.”
Mitchell made 22 of 36 pictures from the ground and fellow guard Darius Garland added 21 factors for the fourth-seeded Cavaliers.
Regardless of lacking an opportunity to advance in Recreation 6, Cleveland coach J.B. Bickerstaff was assured heading into Sunday’s win-or-go-home matchup.
“Our guys might be prepared for the second,” Bickerstaff mentioned. “Our guys have been actually good at residence. We don’t anticipate that to vary.”
Mitchell scored all 18 of his workforce’s fourth-quarter factors, highlighted by a 3-pointer to forge an 89-89 tie with 4:01 to play. Banchero made a 3-pointer and a layup and Cole Anthony answered Mitchell’s quick jumper with a tip-in with 1:57 left to spice up Orlando’s result in 96-91.
Mitchell scored from the inside and sank a 3-pointer to tug Cleveland inside 4 at 100-96 with 20.6 seconds left. Suggs made a free throw to increase the Magic’s benefit and Evan Mobley didn’t convert on the different finish to successfully finish the sport.
“All people stored their head up; everyone was speaking in each huddle,” Banchero instructed Bally Sports activities Florida. “Gotta give credit score to the entire workforce. It was such a particular night time. And we need to do it once more.”
Suggs transformed a four-point play to stake Orlando to a 53-46 lead with 34.8 seconds remaining within the second quarter. Mitchell answered by scoring the ultimate three factors of the primary half and 9 of the primary 13 for his workforce within the third quarter to provide Cleveland a 62-55 benefit.
The Magic closed inside one at 74-73 earlier than Mitchell made a driving layup and a brief jumper to finish the third quarter.