D. Mitchell scored half a dozen points, but “Magic” snatched the seventh game

In the National Basketball Association (NBA), the first round of the playoffs did not end without a series of seven games.

Orlando Magic ripped the survival game in their arena 103:96 (29:25, 24:24, 20:29, 30:18) beating the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The result of the Eastern Conference quarterfinal series up to four wins was tied – 3:3. The fate of the ticket to the next round will be decided in Cleveland.

The match was extremely volatile, with neither team gaining a double-digit lead. In the decisive quarter, the Magic met with a 73-78 deficit, and with four minutes left in the game, the score was even (89-89). Paolo Banchero then scored five points in a row, stood at the free throw line four more times without making a mistake and cemented the home team’s triumph.

The Italian-born American scored a total of 27 points (7/15 2-pointers, 2/5 3-pointers, 7/10 free throws), 8 rebounds, a steal and 3 turnovers, 4 assists and no fouls in 42 minutes.

“We really learned a lot in this series, we saw what works and what doesn’t. We know what we have to do to win the match,” said the 21-year-old playoff debutant.

The Orlando club outscored its opponents 48:38 in the fight for the ball and earned significantly more free throws – 22/26 against 5/10.

The Cavaliers cheered loudly Donovan Mitchellwith 50 points (19/27 2-pointers, 3/9 3-pointers, 3/6 free throws), 4 rebounds, 4 assists, a block, 4 turnovers and 4 fouls in 42 minutes.

The benefit of the defender was needed when teammates were stuck – only Darius Garland and Max Strus scored more than 4 points.

The home court advantage that the Cavaliers have retained is crucial in this series, with the home team winning all six games. The Boston Celtics are already waiting for the winners in the next round.

Cavaliers: Donovan Mitchell 50 (19/27 2-pointers, 4 rebounds, 4 rebounds), Darius Garland 21 (6 rebounds, 5 rebounds), Max Strus 10 (8 rebounds).

Magic: Paolo Banchero 27 (8 rebounds, 4 assists), Franz Wagner 26 (5 rebounds, 1/5 3-pointers), Jalen Suggs 22 (6 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 errors , 6/13 3-pointers), Wendell Carter 11 (9 rpg, 1/7 3-pointers), Cole Anthony 9.

“Long break”: Pasval’s future, Antetokounmpo’s approach to basketball, the “culprits” of “Lietkabel”, a question mark about “Šiauliai” Lithuanians, commendable work of “Nevėžys”, Kosticius who earned a contract and a reflection of the work of CBet’s management