ORLANDO, FL – The Orlando Magic lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers 117-113 on Tuesday night, ending Orlando’s one shot chances to make it into the NBA Playoff Play In game. Orlando needed to win out the rest of hits four games this season, as wells have the Chicago Bulls lose the remainder of it’s games for the Magic to make it in.
Donovan Mitchell, one of the NBA’s most dominant players, came in as advertised with an impressive 43 point game, his fourth straight 40+ point game in streak. The win clinched he 4th spot in the NBA playoffs for the Cavs.
Markelle Fultz had another strong performance on Tuesday in front of a sellout crowd at The Amway Center, scoring 23 points with eight assists. Paolo Banchero, who had success inside against the Cavs, scored 20 points with 10 rebounds for a double double.
The Magic ran off 13 straight points while the Cavs went scoreless for more than four minutes of the first quarter, and Orlando led by nine — the largest lead of the game — when Gary Harris hit a 3-pointer midway through the second period.
The Magic, out of the postseason for the ninth time in 11 years, came back to play a rare “meaningful game in April” after a 5-20 start, leaving coach Jamahl Mosley with a good feeling after their mathematical elimination.
“That’s the fourth seed in the East,” Mosley said. “We held our own, and more so, and our guys have to understand and believe what we’re capable of doing moving forward.”
The Magic face the Cavalier again on Thursday April 6th at 7pm at The Amway Center. It’s the final home game of the season for the Magic.
