The Cleveland Cavaliers secured a crucial 106-94 victory over the Orlando Magic in Game 7 of the NBA Eastern Conference first-round playoffs at the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio, on Sunday. With this win, the Cavaliers clinched the series 4-3 and advanced to face the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference semifinals, starting with Game 1 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts, on Tuesday.
In a series where both teams had dominated on their home courts, Sunday’s decisive game was no different. The Cavaliers, backed by a roaring home crowd, overcame a slow start to outlast the Magic. Despite the home-court advantage, Cleveland struggled early as Orlando leveraged their size, power, and athleticism to gain momentum. Rookie sensation Paolo Banchero exploited mismatches against smaller defenders, aggressively attacking the paint and causing trouble for the Cavaliers’ defense.
Defensively, the Cavaliers relied on Evan Mobley to protect the rim, which inadvertently allowed the Magic to find open shots from mid-range and beyond the arc. However, strategic adjustments by Cleveland, along with stellar performances from key players like Donovan Mitchell, turned the tide in their favor. Mitchell’s leadership and scoring prowess were instrumental in the Cavaliers’ comeback and eventual triumph.
As the Cavaliers prepare to face the Celtics, anticipation builds among basketball fans worldwide. The upcoming series promises intense competition, with both teams vying for a spot in the Eastern Conference Finals. For global fans, especially those in Asia where the NBA enjoys a massive following, this matchup showcases the excitement and unpredictability that define playoff basketball.
Reference(s):
NBA highlights on May 5: Mitchell guards Cavs' home in Game 7
cgtn.com
