The Orlando Magic entered Game 7 of their showdown versus the Cavaliers without a single road win by either squad. With exception to Paolo Banchero, every other notable Magic player had shot significantly worse on the road as opposed to on their home floor in the first six games. Unfortunately for Orlando, the trends would continue with Cleveland bouncing the young visiting team in Game 7, 106-94, bringing an end to the Magic’ season.
.@Pp_doesit speaks to the media after his 38-point performance in game 7 at Cleveland 👇 pic.twitter.com/O6X0OogSdH
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) May 5, 2024
Paolo Banchero had another superstar performance, finishing the game with 38 points and 16 rebounds, though he had to put up almost 30 shots to get there. Banchero shot almost 10 percent better on the road leading up to Game 7, but from the beginning of Sunday’s game, there were indicators that Paolo felt he had to do most of the work himself. Banchero finished 10 of 28 from the field, well below his FG average of 53% in the first six games. He did more than his share of getting to the free throw line, hitting 15 of his 18 attempts from the stripe.
It was still not enough. Basketball is a team sport. The player Orlando needed to step up most in Cleveland on Sunday, Forward Franz Wagner, had his worst game of the Playoffs by far. Wagner shot just 1 of 15 from the field including missing all 5 of his three-pointers. He managed 4-4 at the free throw line during the late game, but at that point the momentum and control of the game overall had swung too heavily toward the home court Cavaliers.
Franz Wagner putting the finishing touch on one of the biggest Game 7 choke jobs of all-time…
34 mins
1/15 FG
6 pts pic.twitter.com/dxbD6BX9Gz— Frank Michael Smith (@frankmikesmith) May 5, 2024
Magic Guard Jalen Suggs was banged up the entire game, noticeably limping at times, yet added 10 points and a couple key turnovers during the more competitive middle of the game. Surprisingly, the Magic managed to blow the game despite having a 53-43 lead at the half and holding as much as an 18 point lead at one point. The major differences without a doubt were the total absence of Wagner and the huge disparity in points in the paint, with Cleveland almost doubling the production of the Magic down low.
On the Cavs’ side, Donovan Mitchell had another stellar game, struggling at first but ending with a game high 39 points on 11 of 27 shooting to go with 15 of 17 at the free throw line. Mitchell dominated the second half and when the dust settled, Mitchell had just enough help on his side to outlast Banchero, who ran out of steam near the end of the game. Cavs’ Center Evan Mobley snatched 16 rebounds alot of which were clutch in the late game to go with 11 points. Also worthy of a mention was Cleveland Guard Caris LeVert who played excellent off the bench to notch 15 points for the Cavs.
Missed opportunities. Poor second half shot selection. Not enough of a down low presence. These things doomed the scrappy upstart Magic and will be a focus for them in the offseason. Hard to make it the headline after a heartbreaking Game 7, but the future will be bright for this roster if the work is done to tweak what went wrong heading into the fall.
No moral victories but I’m so proud of this team what they have shown this season and to force a game 7.
Respect to Donovan Mitchell and the Cavs for an incredible series, and best of luck to them moving forward.
This is just the beginning for this entire Magic team💙🤍 pic.twitter.com/6k4MDxF7oR
— Brett James (@thebrettjames1) May 5, 2024
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THE CONVERSATION.