The Lead
With both sides playing only their second and third string players, the Cleveland Cavaliers took control late in the first half and cruised to a 118-94 victory in the Orlando Magic’s final home game of the season on Thursday night.
Key Stretch
The Cavs used a 21-2 late second quarter/early third quarter run to blow the game open. Isaiah Mobley, the older brother of Evan Mobley, knocked down a floater and 3-pointer to start the flurry, while Lamar Stevens, Danny Green and Cedi Osman also hit 3-pointers in that time.
Top Performers
Jalen Suggs led the Magic with 22 points, Bol Bol scored 18, and Jay Scrubb had 11. The Cavs were led by Green, who finished with 21 points, and Osman, who scored 19.
Key Stats
The Cavs shot 52.3 percent from the field and 47.4 percent from 3-point range. Their bench outscored the Magic’s reserves 66-35.
Quote of the Day
“I’m excited, really. I can’t wait for it. I can’t wait to work, I can’t wait to be around family, and be around friends. I’m going to continue to try and perfect my craft and get better. I think that just the improvements that I made from last year to this year – mentally, physically, gameplay-wise, shooting, and all of that. I feel a lot better; you know what I'm saying. I can’t wait for the summer. It’s going to be fun. A lot of work is going to be put in. I’m going to get a lot better, and I think everybody has a common goal coming into next year. We’ve shown that we can do it. Now it’s about everybody doing what they’re supposed to do this summer so that we can go accomplish that.” - Suggs on being healthy and in rhythm going into the offseason
Injury/Inactive Report
Paolo Banchero (back), Franz Wagner (ankle), Markelle Fultz (knee), Wendell Carter Jr. (hip), Gary Harris (adductor), and Jonathan Isaac (left adductor surgery) were out for the Magic. Donovan Mitchell (finger), Darius Garland (lower leg), Jarrett Allen (groin), Evan Mobley (rest), Caris LeVert (knee), Isaac Okoro (knee), and Dylan Windler (foot) were unavailable for the Cavs.
This Day in History
On April 6, 1999, Penny Hardaway, then in his final season with the Magic, scored 30 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, and dished out eight assists in Orlando’s victory over the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Patrick Ewing led the Knicks with 28 points and 15 rebounds.
Rivals Report
We know the Bucks, Celtics and 76ers are legitimate title contenders. But are the Cavs? That’s a highly debatable question going into the playoffs. Cleveland has one of the best starting lineups. They also have the league’s No. 1 defense. Let’s not forget, Boston had the NBA’s best defense last year and made the Finals. No matter your position on this, their first-round playoff series against the Knicks should be a good one.
Up Next
The Magic will wrap up their 2022-23 season with a pair of road games, starting with a trip to Brooklyn to take on the Nets on Friday at 7:30 p.m. ET. Less than two weeks ago, the Magic rolled past the Nets at Amway Center. A franchise-tying-high eight Orlando players scored in double figures, including Cole Anthony, who had 21, and Franz Wagner, who finished with 19. Mikal Bridges erupted for 44 points for Brooklyn, tied for the second-most points by a Magic opponent this season.