Magic Force Game 7 Against Cavaliers in NBA Playoffs
The Orlando Magic pulled off an impressive 103-96 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 6, forcing a decisive Game 7 to determine who will advance to face the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference semifinals. The Magic’s win came thanks to stellar performances from three of their starters, each scoring over 20 points. However, their combined efforts were necessary to overcome the outstanding 50-point game from the Cavaliers’ Donovan Mitchell, with only one other player on the team scoring more than 10 points.
One key factor that contributed to the Magic’s success in Game 6 was their decision to start a supersized lineup. With Gary Harris sidelined, Magic coach Jamahl Mosley opted to start a lineup consisting of Jalen Suggs, Franz Wagner, Jonathan Isaac, Paolo Banchero, and Wendell Carter Jr. Each player in this lineup is at least 6 foot 10, allowing Mosley to have his two best defenders, Suggs and Isaac, on the court simultaneously. This lineup also allowed the Magic to maintain their usual second unit, as Isaac was subbed out in the first quarter and then brought back in at the start of the second quarter. This strategic move by Mosley provided defensive strength and continuity for the team.
While the supersized lineup had its advantages defensively, holding the Cavs to just 7-of-28 shooting from beyond the arc, it struggled to contain Cleveland’s scoring in the paint. The Cavs outscored the Magic by a significant margin in this area, highlighting a weakness in the strategy. However, Mosley demonstrated his ability to adjust on the fly by making a critical decision to replace Isaac with Cole Anthony during the fourth quarter. Anthony’s offensive rebound and subsequent layup extended Orlando’s lead and played a crucial role in securing the victory.
Looking ahead to Game 7, it is clear that Mosley will continue to trust his instincts and make necessary adjustments as needed. This adaptability has been one of his strengths throughout the series and has brought his team to the brink of reaching the second round of the playoffs.
On the other side, the Cavaliers once again fell short of winning a playoff series without LeBron James on their roster. Despite an outstanding performance from Donovan Mitchell, who scored 50 points on 36 shots in 42 minutes, the Cavs couldn’t secure the win in Game 6. The team’s fatigue became apparent in the closing moments, with Mitchell committing a crucial turnover with just 56 seconds left on the clock. Coach J.B. Bickerstaff faced limitations in terms of players he could rely on, resulting in Mitchell and Darius Garland playing the entire fourth quarter and most of the second half. Caris LeVert didn’t see any playing time after halftime.
Bickerstaff made an unexpected lineup change by starting Marcus Morris Sr. instead of Isaac Okoro, aiming to counter Orlando’s size advantage. However, Morris struggled and finished with only 2 points on 1-of-7 shooting. Evan Mobley, considered the future of the franchise, also had a relatively quiet game with just 3 points and 7 rebounds.
One area where the Cavaliers struggled in Game 6 was their three-point shooting. They shot a dismal 7-of-28 from beyond the arc, which likely cost them the game. However, they managed to dominate in the paint, outscoring the Magic by a significant margin.
As Game 7 looms, the pressure is mounting for both teams. The Cavaliers will need to reflect on their missed opportunities and the individuals in their locker room will have their futures on the line. It is a heavy burden to bear, especially considering Mitchell’s outstanding performance in a closeout game that unfortunately fell short.
In conclusion, Game 6 showcased the Magic’s ability to adapt and make critical adjustments, ultimately leading to their victory and forcing a Game 7. The Cavaliers, despite an exceptional performance from Mitchell, were unable to secure the win and continue their playoff journey without LeBron James. The stage is now set for an intense and high-stakes Game 7 that will determine which team advances in the NBA playoffs.