Donovan Mitchell’s 39-point performance led the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 106-94 victory over the Orlando Magic in Game 7 of their first-round series, propelling them to the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Mitchell, particularly impactful with 17 points in the third quarter, shot 15 of 17 from the free-throw line and grabbed nine rebounds. This outstanding display followed his 50-point game in the Cavaliers’ previous 103-96 loss in Orlando.
Caris LeVert contributed 15 points off the bench, and Max Strus added 13 points for the fourth-seeded Cavaliers, who fought back from an 18-point deficit to secure their fourth home win in the series.
Despite missing All-Star center Jarrett Allen due to a rib contusion for the third consecutive game, Cleveland clinched its first playoff series win in six years. They are set to face the top-seeded Boston Celtics in Game 1 of the conference semifinals on Tuesday, with the Celtics having won two of three regular-season matchups.
Orlando’s Paolo Banchero had an impressive performance with 38 points and 16 rebounds in his first Game 7 appearance. Wendell Carter Jr. scored 13 points, and Jalen Suggs contributed 10 points and nine rebounds for the fifth-seeded Magic, who struggled with a scoring drought in the third quarter, managing just 15 points.
Despite trailing by 18 points at halftime, the Cavaliers rallied behind Mitchell’s explosive third quarter, taking the lead with 3:08 remaining. They extended their advantage in the fourth quarter with key contributions from Strus and Darius Garland, ultimately securing the win despite Orlando’s late-game efforts.
Orlando initially built their lead with strong runs in the second quarter, but Cleveland’s resilience and Mitchell’s scoring prowess ultimately turned the tide in favor of the Cavaliers.
