The Orlando Magic’s first playoff run since 2019 hasn’t gone well so far after losing the first two road games to the Cleveland Cavaliers, putting them in a 0-2 hole as their first-round Eastern Conference playoff series shifts to Orlando for Game 3 and 4.
The Magic looked like the inexperienced, and at times, confused team many analysts expected them to be in this playoff matchup against a much-seasoned Cavaliers squad.
Cavs vs. Magic Numbers
The Magic shot 32.6 percent from the field in Game 1 and 36.3 percent in Game 2, which are way below their 47.6 FG% during the regular season.
The Magic are holding the Cavaliers to 97.0, 15 points below regular-season averages of 112 points. On the other hand, Orlando is averaging 83.0 points in the playoffs, 27 points less than their regular-season average of 110.0 points per game.
The Magic are shooting 21.6 percent from the 3PT territory. Orlando shot better during the regular season at 35.0 3PT%.
Allen block ➡️ Garland assist ➡️ Mobley dunk 🔥
Cavs getting it done on both ends in Game 2 on NBA TV! pic.twitter.com/kSJMFzaFpb
— NBA (@NBA) April 23, 2024
Top and Worst Performers
Paolo Banchero is putting up solid numbers in his first playoff appearance, posting 24 points, seven rebounds, and five assists in Game 1 and 21 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists in Game 2. Unfortunately, his inexperience playing in a playoff atmosphere has been exposed by the Cavs as he committed 15 turnovers between Game 1 and Game 2.
Paolo Banchero has the most turnovers in a players first 2 career playoff games (15).
Passing LeBron James (14) in 2006. pic.twitter.com/gDQZqj0R8J
— Polymarket Hoops (@PolymarketHoops) April 23, 2024
Franz Wagner is also playing well in his playoff debut. He recorded 18 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and three blocks in Game 1 and followed it with 18 points, seven rebounds and two assists in Game 2.
Franz Wagner hits the triple to cut the lead to single digits! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/e9Yan2EaYK
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) April 20, 2024
Cole Anthony, who averaged 11.6 points on 42.5 FG%, hasn’t made a field goal yet in the series. He only scored four points on 0-for-7 shooting in Game 1 and zero on 0-for-4 clip in Game 2.
Evan Mobley just put the fear of god into Cole Anthony pic.twitter.com/WJuNkaLsIA
— Tony Pesta (@Tony_Pesta) April 23, 2024
Donovan Mitchell has torched the Cavaliers in the first two games, averaging 26.5 points on 56 FG% with 5.0 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game.
Donovan Mitchell 1st Game vs Magic:
– 30 points
– 52% FG
– 3 stealsCavs win 97-83🔥
— Grace (@ggracesportakes) April 20, 2024
The Magic will host Game 3 (April 25) and Game 4 (April 27) of the series. Orlando is 29-12 at Kia Center, while the Cavs are 22-19 on the road during the regular-season.
THE CONVERSATION.