Layout by: Genesis Amemita
Published by: Lean Miguel Tizon
Date Published: March 29, 2025
Time Published: 11:49 AM
It takes Magic to stop the Cavaliers.
The Orlando Magic stopped Cleveland’s “cavalanche,” pulling off a stunning late-game comeback to defeat the Cavaliers 103-108 in a highly competitive matchup on March 17.
The Cavaliers lost for the first time since February 10 as the Eastern Conference leaders were unable to put away the Magic in the final minutes.
In the final minutes, eight more points came from Wagner and five each from Banchero and Caldwell-Pope, sealing the Magic’s victory in front of a sold-out crowd at Cleveland’s Rocket Arena.
“It’s a big win,” Banchero said after wrapping up their five-game road trip.
“We knew this was going to be probably the toughest game of the trip. To come in here… against one of the better teams in the league, also on a win streak – big win.” he added.
The Cavaliers missed five shots in the final minutes — three of which were from Donovan Mitchell.
As the Cavaliers struggled to convert their chances, the Magic took the opportunity to turn the tide.
After the Cavaliers long run of comebacks, the tables turned on them as Magic seized control with a late-game surge.
The Magic outscored Cavaliers 35-23 in the third quarter with Franz Wagner putting up nine points and Paolo Banchero adding seven.
Heading into the fourth quarter, The Cavaliers led by a slim 83-82 margin and threatened to widen the gap as Mitchell’s scoring made it 91-84. However, Magic refused to give up.
The game remained close in the final minutes, with both teams exchanging baskets and fighting for ball possession.
The Cavaliers retook the lead with under three minutes left but Magic responded with a clutch three-pointer from Wagner, followed by brilliant defense that prevented the Cavaliers from reclaiming the lead.
Banchero finished with 24 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists while Wagner had 22 points with eight rebounds and two assists.
The win improved Magic’s record to 32-37 to maintain eighth place in the Eastern Conference standings.
REFERENCES:
[1] Withers, T. (2025, March 17). Magic rally to halt Cavaliers’ 16-game win streak. NBA.com. httwwwps://.nba.com/game/orl-vs-undefined-0022400979
[2] Associated Press. (2025, March 17). Magic end Cavaliers’ franchise-record 16-game winning streak. Sportsnet. https://www.sportsnet.ca/.../magic-end-cavaliers.../
[3] Agence France-Presse. (2025, March 17). Magic rally to halt Cavaliers’ 16-game win streak. Philstar. https://www.philstar.com/.../magic-rally-halt-cavaliers...
[4] Agence France-Presse. (2025, March 16). NBA: Cavs win streak halted after Magic comeback. ABS-CBN. https://www.abs-cbn.com/.../nba-porzingis-makes...
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