A crushing victory in the quarterfinals of the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association (NBA) was achieved by the Orlando Magic team, who at home 121:83 (31:21, 30:24, 35:16, 25:22) defeated Cleveland Cavaliers basketball players.
However, the Cleveland team had won the first two matches of the series at home, so “Magic” only softened the result – 1:2.
For the winners, Paolo Banchero scored 31 points (9/17 doubles, 4/9 triples, 1/2 penalty), 14 rebounds, 5 assists, a steal and 3 fouls in 29 minutes.
“There is nothing to be too happy about. We know we have to do the same again on Saturday. Of course, we are proud of what we managed to do today. It is important for our team to win the first victory in the playoffs, but we want to win the whole series”, P. Banchero said.
It was Cleveland’s biggest playoff loss in club history and the Magic’s biggest win at the same time.
Orlando won the playoffs overall for the first time since 2020, and the Magic won at home only in 2011.
Magic: Paolo Banchero 31 (14 rpg), Jalen Suggs 24 (9/11 shooting), Franz Wagner 16 (8 rpg), Markelle Fultz 11, Cole Anthony 10.
Cavaliers: Caris LeVert (5/13 shooting) and Jarrett Allen (8 rebounds) each 15, Donovan Mitchell 13 (7 rebounds), Evan Mobley 10 (0/3 treys).
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