Cavaliers vs. Magic score, highlights; Cavs win Game 5 to take series lead

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Cavaliers vs. Magic score, highlights; Cavs win Game 5 to take series lead

Ryan Lewis and Nate Ulrich, Akron Beacon Journal · Akron Beacon Journal

Wed, May 1, 2024 ·

13 min read

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CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Cavaliers have retaken the series lead with a wild 104-103 win in Game 5 Tuesday night.

Evan Mobley came up huge over and over in the final two minutes, which included a game-winning block of Franz Wagner in the closing seconds.

After the Cavaliers' time in Orlando for Games 3 and 4 could not have gone much worse , they entered Tuesday without starting center Jarrett Allen (rib contusion). With Allen sidelined, the Cavs started Darius Garland at point guard, Donovan Mitchell at shooting guard, Max Strus at small forward, Isaac Okoro at power forward and Evan Mobley at center. Okoro usually plays small forward and Mobley power forward.

Here's how it all unfolded Tuesday night.

Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley (4) blocks the shot of Magic forward Franz Wagner (22) late in the fourth quarter to seal the Cavs' win in Game 5 of a first-round NBA playoff series, April 30, 2024, in Cleveland.

Cavs-Magic stat leaders from Game 5

Mobley finished with 14 points, 13 rebounds, four assists, two blocks and two steals for the Cavs. Donovan Mitchell finished with 28 points on 9-of-23 shooting, and Darius Garland scored 23 on 9-of-16 shooting to go with five assists..

For the Magic, Paolo Banchero scored a playoff career-high 39 points on 14-of-24 shooting with eight rebounds and four assists, but it wasn't enough. Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs scored 14 and 13, respectively, but shot a combined 8-of-25 from the floor.

Cavaliers guard Darius Garland (middle) celebrates with forward Evan Mobley (4) after Mobley blocked the shot of Magic forward Franz Wagner to seal the win in Game 5 of a first-round NBA playoff series, April 30, 2024, in Cleveland.

Cavaliers beat Magic in Game 5 104-103

Paolo Banchero hit a 3-pointer but it wasn't enough, and the Cavs have won Game 5 104-103.

Evan Mobley was absolutely vital in the final two minutes on both ends of the floor, coming away with two of the biggest buckets and two of the biggest defensive stops.

The Cavs have a 3-2 series lead and will look to finish the Magic in Game 6 Friday night in Orlando.

Evan Mobley block of Franz Wagner has Cavs on verge of Game 5 win

Evan Mobley just had the biggest block by a Cavalier since LeBron James ' rejection in Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals.

With the Cavs up two as time wound down, Franz Wagner drove to the hoop but was rejected by Mobley at the rim.

Donovan Mitchell was fouled with 3.2 seconds left and hit both free throws, putting the Cavs up 104-100.

Evan Mobley dunk, layup put Cavs up in final minute over Magic

Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley dunks on Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. (34) during the second half in Game 5 of a first-round NBA playoff series, April 30, 2024, in Cleveland.

Evan Mobley has shown up for a big way in the final two minutes.

Mobley first slammed home a dunk that gave the Cavs a 99-98 lead with 1:45 left.

He then forced a missed 3 from Banchero, and with the Cavs up 100-98, Darius Garland found Mobley under the hoop for a layup that gives Cleveland a 102-98 lead with 40.6 seconds left.

Donovan Mitchell commits fifth foul with under three minutes left

Donovan Mitchell and Max Strus have easily been the Cavs most valuable players tonight, and the reason they hold the lead.

But they both now have five fouls with 2:52 to go.

The Cavs hold a 97-96 lead.

Donovan Mitchell, Paolo Banchero in a battle in Game 5; Cavs lead 97-95

The stars on the floor are going back and forth.

Paolo Banchero has hit some extremely difficult shots tonight and now has a game-high 34 points. His two free throws just put the Magic up 95-94.

Donovan Mitchell has a couple of buckets that have given the Cavs the lead on multiple occasions and just found Max Strus for a go-ahead 3 pointer to put the Cavs up 97-95 with 3:30 left.

This Game 5 is wild. All of the back-and-forth action that was expected this series has been poured into this fourth quarter.

Max Strus called for his fifth foul

Cavaliers guard Max Strus reacts after being called for a foul during the second half against the Magic in Game 5 of a first-round NBA playoff series, April 30, 2024, in Cleveland.

Max Strus was just called for his fifth foul of the game with 6:18 left after Franz Wagner drove to the hoop.

Strus can't believe it, putting his hands on his head and walking away in disbelief. Cavs fans can't believe it after seeing the replay. J.B. Bickerstaff looks like he's on the verge of a technical.

A very loud, very clear "Refs you suck!" chant immediately broke out.

Strus has been tremendous for the Cavs tonight, but he's now one foul away from exiting.

The Magic lead 88-85.

Donovan Mitchell 3 puts the Cavaliers on top early in fourth quarter

There's the Donovan Mitchell the Cavs need.

Trailing by one, Mitchell just nailed a 3-pointer, allowing the Cavs to re-take the lead, 85-83, with 8:26 left.

Since Garland's first-quarter explosion, he's been very quiet. It'll be interesting to see how Mitchell and Garland handle the offense down the stretch.

Mortiz Wagner checks out of game after limping to bench

And now Mortiz Wagner, after hitting a nice 2-and-1, is leaving the game after landing hard at the other end of the floor. He didn't even wait for the sub to come into the game before reaching the bench.

The Magic lead the Cavs 83-82.

Joe Ingles 3-pointer gives the Magic a one-point lead in fourth quarter

Orlando has re-taken the lead thanks to a Joe Ingles 3-pointer.

Paolo Banchero and Darius Garland are tied with a game-high 23 points each.

The Cavs might need Donovan Mitchell to find a rhythm. He's now just 7-for-17 from the floor for 16 points and has a -15 +/-tonight.

Jalen Suggs lands weirdly on his right leg but appears to be OK

And now Jalen Suggs came up hopping a bit after a shot attempt in which he was fouled, appearing to reach for his right leg. He missed part of Game 2 with a left knee injury.

Suggs appears to be OK and is remaining in the game.

The Cavs are up 77-74 with 11:12 left.

Gary Harris injury takes him out of Game 5

The Orlando Magic have announced that guard Gary Harris has sustained a right hamstring strain and will not return tonight.

Below is information from the third quarter.

Cavaliers lead Magic 75-70 entering fourth quarter of Game 5

Paolo Banchero has been impressive tonight and just threw down a thunderous dunk.

And perhaps as impactful, he also drew a foul against Max Strus, which is his fourth of the game.

Mitchell and Strus now both have four fouls and will need to be careful as the Cavs protect their five-point lead entering the final quarter.

This series might — might — have its first good finish thus far.

Max Strus has impact felt late in third quarter against Magic

Cavaliers guard Max Strus drives to the basket against Magic center Moritz Wagner during the second half in Game 5 of a first-round NBA playoff series, April 30, 2024, in Cleveland.

The Cavs have opened up a 75-67 lead, largely thanks to Strus, who hasn't had the best series, but he did just put together a tremendous stretch in which he drew a charge against Paolo Banchero, nailed a 3-pointer from the corner and then hit a layup over Mortiz Wagner on back-to-back-to-back possessions.

And then Strus just buried a 3-pointer from several feet behind the 3-point line. It was a heat check 3 that was drilled.

Strus now has 13 points, four rebounds and three assists tonight. Most of that production has come within the last two minutes.

Donovan Mitchell commits fourth foul of game 5

Donovan Mitchell will need to be careful for the rest of the night.

He was just called for his fourth foul of the game after pushing Jalen Suggs while going for a rebound. Mitchell is now checking out for a bit, as the Cavs can ill afford him to pick up his fifth too quickly.

Mitchell is still scoreless in the second half for the second consecutive game.

Suggs hit one of two free throws to give the Magic a 64-63 lead.

Paolo Banchero leads Magic back to tie Cavaliers in third quarter of Game 5

Paolo Banchero has taken over this game.

He's hit multiple fadeaway jumpers along the baseline, which are just about an unguardable shot when he's making them, and he also just buried a jumper to tie it 57-57 with 6:50 left in the third quarter.

He now has a game-high 20 points on 8-of-13 shooting along with six rebounds.

Donovan Mitchell injury: Star guard hobbled a bit after taking a shot to his knee in Game 5

And only a few moments later, Donovan Mitchell is now being looked over by a team trainer.

Mitchell remained down on the floor after Paolo Banchero hit a fadeaway jumper to make it 55-51 with 8:50 left in the third quarter.

Replays indicate that Mitchell was hit in the back of the knee by Wendell Carter Jr. while the shot was in the air.

Mitchell was helped up and walked to the bench. He's been playing through a left knee bone bruise.

Mitchell, like Strus, is remaining in the game.

Max Strus shaken up after taking a shoulder to the ribs from Gary Harris

With the Cavs on defense, Max Strus tried to fight through a pick but instead received a hard shoulder from Gary Harris in the ribs. Strus was done for a few moments before getting back to his feet. He's remaining in the game.

The Cavs are already without Jarrett Allen , who took an elbow to the ribs in Game 4.

The Cavs have opened the third quarter on a 7-2 run to open up a 55-49 lead.

Below is some information about the second quarter.

Cavs lead Magic 48-47 at halftime

The Magic went on an 8-0 run in the final 2:51 of the second quarter to cut the Cavs' lead to 48-47 at halftime.

All-Star forward Paolo Banchero made two jump shots and guard Jalen Suggs added two field goals during the Magic's surge just before halftime.

Garland and Mitchell led the Cavs with 17 and 14 points, respectively, in the first half. Banchero had a team-high 12 points for the Magic.

After outscoring the Magic 33-23 in the first quarter, the Cavs were outscored 24-15 in the second quarter.

The Cavs outscored the Magic 24-14 in the paint through two quarters, but Orlando led the rebounding battle 27-20.

Cavs extend lead to 48-39 with Isaac Okoro leading charge vs. Magic

Okoro made a 3-pointer with 3:47 left in the second quarter and dished out an assist to Mitchell for a fast-break dunk off a Strus steal with 3:10 remaining. The sequence allowed the Cavs go go ahead 48-39.

Magic bench players give Cavs problems in second quarter

The Cavs led 41-37 with 5:35 left in the second quarter. Magic center Moritz Wagner nailed a 3-pointer with 5:53 remaining to cut Orlando's deficit to four points.

Mo Wagner and forwards Joe Ingles and Jonathan Isaac have provided sparks off the bench. At this juncture, the Magic had outscored the Cavs by six points during the second quarter with those players on the court.

The Cavs trail 14-2 in bench scoring.

Below is some information about the first quarter.

Cavs lead Magic 33-23 at the end of the first quarter

The Cavs used a barrage of 3-pointers to seize a 33-23 advantage at the end of the first quarter.

Garland made back-to-back 3s with 1:04 and 43 seconds remaining. Then sixth man Caris LeVert nailed another 3 off a steal with 1.2 seconds left.

Garland has a game-high 17 points through one quarter. The Magic were led by Banchero's eight points.

Cavs trail Magic 17-16 with 4:15 remaining in the first quarter

The Magic took a 17-16 lead with Banchero made a 3-pointer with 4:16 left in the first quarter, prompting a timeout by the Cavs.

Banchero began the game 2-of-2 shooting from 3-point range.

Donovan Mitchell picks up second foul about midway through the first quarter

Mitchell was called for his second foul with 5:50 left in the opening quarter. The Cleveland crowd did not agree with the call, which resulted in Magic forward Franz Wagner making a pair of foul shots.

With 5:01 left in the first quarter, Mitchell checked out of the game and was replaced by fellow guard LeVert.

Cavaliers guard Darius Garland (10) reacts after a basket during the first quarter against the Magic in Game 5 of a first-round NBA playoff series, April 30, 2024, in Cleveland.

Cavs start with 13-6 run to open Game 5 against Magic

The Cavaliers needed to respond by proverbially punching the Magic in the mouth after their disasters in Games 3 and 4. At least so far, they've done that.

The Cavs have shot out with an increase in energy — which J.B. Bickerstaff noted before the game is a must, as the Cavs lost their tempo in Orlando — and have opened up a 13-6 lead early on.

Garland has five points. Mitchell and Evan Mobley each have four points. The Cavs will need all three to pick up the slack with Allen out.

The Magic had three baskets in the paint, which could be a concern with Allen not in the lineup. But other than that, the Magic have been cold.

Below is some pregame information.

Jarrett Allen injury update: Cavs big man ruled out for Game 5 with rib contusion

On Tuesday, Allen was listed as questionable for Game 5 until he was ruled out about a half hour before tipoff.

During Bickerstaff's pregame media availability, the coach said Allen would continue to work out, receive treatment and "we'll see" whether he'll play in Game 5. Well, Allen won't play.

Bickerstaff said Allen suffered the injury when he took an elbow to his ribs during Game 4. Allen would have worn protective gear if he played Tuesday, Bickerstaff said. But, again, Allen won't play.

Allen's absence is a significant loss for the Cavs. He arguably had the best series among Cleveland's players through four games, averaging 17 points on 67.6% shooting from the field and 13.8 rebounds in 32 minutes.

Donovan Mitchell vows to be better for Cavaliers in Game 5 against Orlando Magic

Donovan Mitchell said the Cavs have no time to sulk after their Games 3 and 4 collapse.

Cleveland Cavaliers Orlando Magic Game 5 predictions, betting lines

We each picked the Cavs to win tonight. For our reasons why and final score predictions, please click here . For strictly entertainment purposes only, the Cavaliers are 4.5 favorites over the Magic in Game 5, according to the MGM sportsbook. In what has mostly been a low-scoring series, the game has an over/under point total of 200.5.

When is Game 5 of the Cavaliers Magic playoff series?

Game 5 is at 8 p.m. Tuesday in Cleveland. Game 6 will be Friday in Orlando, though tipoff is still to be determined.

What channel is the Cleveland Cavaliers game on tonight?

The Cavs-Magic game is on Bally Sports Ohio in the Cleveland market. Outside the Cleveland market, the game is on NBA TV.

Cavs-Magic TV info: Cavs game vs. Magic is blacked out tonight in Ohio on NBA TV. Here's how you can watch

Looking back at the Cavaliers' 97-83 win over the Orlando Magic in Game 1

Here is our coverage from Game 1:

Look back at the Cavaliers' 96-86 win over the Orlando Magic in Game 2

Here is our coverage from Game 2:

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Cavs score win over Magic in Game 5 on Evan Mobley's game-saving block

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