2 weeks Ago By Field Level Media
Paolo Banchero scored 27 points and Franz Wagner added 26 as the host Orlando Magic forced a Game 7 in the Eastern Conference first-round series with a 103-96 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday. Jalen Suggs sank six 3-pointers to highlight his 22-point performance for the fifth-seeded Magic, who overcame 50 points by Donovan Mitchell to even the best-of-seven series at three wins apiece. Orlando forced its first Game 7 since the 2009 playoffs.
The Magic will visit Cleveland on Sunday afternoon for Game 7 in a series that has featured the home team winning the first six games. The winner of Sunday's game will advance to the conference semifinals to square off against the top-seeded Boston Celtics. Mitchell made 22 of 36 shots from the floor and fellow guard Darius Garland added 21 points for the fourth-seeded Cavaliers.
Mitchell scored all 18 of his team's points of the fourth quarter, highlighted by a 3-pointer to forge an 89-89 tie with 4:01 to play. Banchero made a 3-pointer and a layup and Cole Anthony answered Mitchell's short jumper with a tip-in with 1:57 left to boost Orlando's lead to 96-91. Mitchell scored from the interior and sank a 3-pointer to pull Cleveland within four at 100-96 with 20.
6 seconds left. Suggs made a free throw to extend the Magic's advantage and Evan Mobley failed to convert at the other end to effectively end the game. Suggs converted a four-point play to stake Orlando to a 53-46 lead with 34.
8 seconds remaining in the second quarter.
