ORLANDO, FL – TheOrlando Magic ended a two game losing streak with a 103-83 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday at the Amway Center.
The boys in blue went back to basics with good defense and aggressive inside play to get the win, even though they had to overcome a whopping 21 turnovers, including 12 in the first quarter, that led to 26 Cavaliers points.
Markelle Fultz made the opening statement by driving through the Cavaliers defense and ending the drive with an emphatic slam dunk early in the first quarter.
Aaron Gordon was the top scorer for the Magic with 24 points and 11 rebounds, with more inside attacks. Gordon had trouble getting the ball to drop pearlier on, but wound up shooting 6 for 9 from 3-point range.
Nikola Vucevic continued his solid play with 23 points and 3 blocked shots.
The Magic got a good night from Khem Birch from the bench with a double-double, 12 points with 12 rebounds, helping to keep the scoring going in the second unit.
Cleveland was led by the dazzling Colin Sexton with 24 points and who seemed to be everywhere on the court. Cedi Osman dropped some heartbreaking deep shots for the Cavs and scored 18 points.
Nikola Vucevic and Kem Burch were able to hold Cav’s star Andre Drummond to 10 points and 10 rebounds, which was a key to the win.
Cleveland guard Dante Exum went down to the floor holding his leg inside the first minute of the game with what turned out to be a non-contact calf injury.
The two teams face each other once again on Wednesday at 7 pm back at the Amway Center
