Cavs vs Magic: Cleveland Cavaliers grind out victory in Game 1 of NBA playoff series
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Cavs vs Magic: Cleveland Cavaliers grind out victory in Game 1 of NBA playoff series
Apr 20, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley (4) shoots beside Orlando Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. (34) in the second quarter during game one of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Well,the Cavssucceeded, landing a body blow Saturday afternoon with a 97-83 victory overthe Magicin Game 1 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
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Tipoff for Game 2 of the best-of-seven Eastern Conference series betweenthe fourth-seeded Cavs(48-34 in the regular season) and fifth-seeded Magic (47-35) is scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday inCleveland.
The Cavswill look to further seize control with memories of last year's 4-1 first-round series loss to theNew York Knickshanging over coach J.B. Bickerstaff and Co.
CavsAll-Star guardDonovan Mitchelldidn't let the left knee bone bruise he suffered in February noticeably slow him. He led all scorers with 30 points in Game 1. CenterJarrett Allenand forwardEvan Mobleyhad 16 points apiece.
The Cavs finished 36-of-81 shooting (44.4%) from the field (8 of 30 on 3-pointers). The Magic went 28-of-86 shooting (32.6%) from the floor (8 of 37 on 3s).
Apr 20, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland (10) reaches for the ball between Orlando Magic center Moritz Wagner (21) and guard Cole Anthony (50) in the second quarter during game one of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Cavs overcome poor 3-point shooting with defense and rebounding
The Cavs started the game 5 of 5 on 3-pointers but missed 18 in a row until point guardDarius Garlandnailed one to end the drought and give them a 76-58 lead with 11:41 remaining in the fourth quarter. Mitchell's 3-pointer with 4:44 left in the fourth quarter served as a dagger, boosting the Cavs to an 88-74 advantage.
Defense and rebounding were the keys to the Cavs weathering their woes on offense.
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The Cavs outrebounded the Magic 54-40. Allen grabbed a game-high 18 rebounds. Mobley tallied 11.
Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen dunks on Magic forward Jonathan Isaac in the second quarter of Game 1 of the first-round playoff series, April 20, 2024, in Cleveland.
Cavs vs Magic tightened after Cleveland had built 12-point halftime lead
The Cavs led the Magic 53-41 at halftime, with Mobley's 16 first-half points leading the way, but Cleveland struggled mightily to start the second half.
The Cavs scored just two points in the first half of the third quarter. Meanwhile, Garland received treatment on his bothersome back in the early stages of the second half. He returned and finished with 14 points.
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The Cavs twice had their lead reduced to four points in the third quarter. But Mitchell helped them regroup with seven third-quarter points, and they gained a 73-58 advantage entering the fourth quarter.
More importantly for the Cavs, they held on for a wire-to-wire win.
