The Orlando Magic made a statement as they returned from the All-Star break with a resilient performance, defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers 116-109 in a thrilling showdown. Despite missing their All-Star standout Donovan Mitchell, the Cavaliers couldn’t withstand the impressive display from the Magic’s bench players.
Leading the charge for Orlando was center Moritz Wagner, who delivered a stellar performance with 22 points. His younger brother, Franz Wagner, also made significant contributions with 14 points, further solidifying the Wagner brothers’ impact on the court.
The absence of Donovan Mitchell, sidelined due to an unspecified illness, was felt by the Cavaliers, who struggled to find their rhythm without their leading scorer. Despite their efforts, Cleveland couldn’t contain Orlando’s resilient bench, which outscored the Cavaliers’ reserves 63-24.
In the absence of Mitchell, Orlando’s depth proved to be the difference-maker, with backup guard Cole Anthony stepping up admirably. Anthony’s 13 points and six assists in just 18 minutes of play helped fill the void left by Jalen Suggs, who exited the game with a head injury midway through the third quarter.
Although the Cavaliers mounted a late comeback attempt, spurred by center Jarrett Allen and guard Darius Garland, Orlando’s resilience prevailed. Paolo Banchero, despite a challenging shooting night, delivered a crucial three-pointer down the stretch to seal the victory for the Magic.
As the Cavaliers embark on a demanding stretch of games, facing five matchups in seven nights and nine in the next 14 days, the loss serves as a reminder of the challenges ahead. With seven back-to-backs looming in the final six weeks of the regular season, Cleveland will need to regroup quickly to maintain their momentum in the Eastern Conference playoff race.
The Magic’s victory, fueled by their bench depth and resilience, sends a message to the rest of the league that they are a force to be reckoned with, even in the absence of their star players. As the season progresses, Orlando’s role players continue to step up, showcasing their ability to compete at a high level against top competition.
