“ORLANDO – The Orlando Magic (23-21) lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers (26-15) 126-99 as the Cavs continue their winning streak, making it eight straight games.
Orlando, coming in on the second day of a back-to-back where they took down the Defeated Miami Heat 105-87, let the Cavs jump out early and eventually run away with this one.
Donovan Mitchell scored 25 points, and Sam Merrill dropped a teal-heading 26 points off the bench.
Orlando was led by their strongest player, Paolo Banchero, with 18 points, followed by 17 points from Franz Wagner and 15 points from Moritz Wagner, who brought the energy off the bench.
Orlando was without Markelle Fultz and Jonathan Isaac, whom they are watching closely after lengthy injuries.
The Cavs came in scorching hot, knocking down threes as Magic players rushed back out to cover them.
Cleveland took 38 three-point shots on the night, and 20 went in for scores, leaving the struggling Magic team in the dust.
“The way they guarded, you know they hit us early,” said Magic Head Coach Jamahl Mosley. “We turned it over, allowing them to get a lot of early, easy shots and easy looks, so they get a comfort level. We’ve got to do a better job taking care of the basketball and understanding where shooters are on the floor. Those little details of the game that matter. But you’ve got to give them a ton of credit; there’s a reason why they’ve won seven straight; they’re in a very good groove right now.”
The Magic have three days off before heading out to Memphis to face the Grizzlies on Friday, January 26th.”
