Donovan Mitchell's Dominant Second Half Fuels Cavs Past Magic, And More Takeaways

2 jam yang lalu

On nan 2nd nighttime of a back-to-back, nan Cleveland Cavaliers pulled distant from nan Orlando Magic late, securing a 119-105 triumph wrong Kia Center. What were a fewer of our takeaways?! Let's examine!

In a make-or-miss league, location was a batch of Magic missing:

Jan 24, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic defender Desmond Bane (3) drives to nan handbasket against Cleveland Cavaliers guardant Dean Wade (32) during nan first 4th astatine Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images | Mike Watters-Imagn Images

While Jalen Suggs' return did inject immoderate life into nan Magic done nan first two-and-a-half quarters, they simply couldn't make capable shots. Wide unfastened ones, too. Overall, they changeable conscionable 40.7 percent from nan level and 27.5 percent from 3-point range.

However, those numbers done 3 quarters were 35.5 and 20.0 percent, respectively. Paolo Banchero led nan measurement pinch 27 points, though 15 of those points came successful nan last 4th erstwhile nan crippled was fundamentally retired reach.

Desmond Bane was nan Magic's astir businesslike subordinate done 3 quarters, scoring 16 points connected 6-of-10 shooting. But only 1 different subordinate had much than 3 made shots (Anthony Black -- 4) complete that span.

The Cavaliers, led by Donovan Mitchell (more connected him momentarily), boasted nan league's 10th-best discourtesy pinch nan 14th-best defense entering nan night. Even pinch a 35-point 4th quarter, you're not going to climb backmost against a high-octane offense, pinch 1 of nan league's champion fourth-quarter players, if you're hardly shooting 35 percent.

Donovan Mitchell rallies Cavaliers successful 2nd half:

Jan 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers defender Donovan Mitchell (45) reacts aft a play against nan Sacramento Kings during nan 2nd half astatine Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images | Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Speaking of Mitchell: There aren't very galore players who person been amended than him this season. The 6-foot-2 defender is nan sole logic why nan Cavaliers are 26-20 and not substantially worse.

He proved why that was nan lawsuit wrong Kia Center.

Mitchell walled disconnected immoderate chance of a Magic comeback successful nan 2nd half. He scored 27 of his 36 points complete that span, including 17 successful nan 4th fourth unsocial connected 6-of-9 shooting.

He capped it disconnected pinch a ridiculous euro-step astir Banchero pinch astir 3 minutes to go, giving Cleveland a 109-96 lead, sealing nan deal.

This move by Donovan Mitchell continues to provender families 😲 pic.twitter.com/TyIZadx744

— NBA Philippines (@NBA_Philippines) January 25, 2026

Trending successful nan incorrect direction:

Nov 16, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Orlando Magic caput coach Jamahl Mosley reacts during nan first half against nan Houston Rockets astatine Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

The Magic person now mislaid three-straight by astatine slightest 14 points for nan first clip since 2022-23. It's nan 4th clip it's happened since 2017-18 and nan ninth clip since nan move of nan century.

In translation, it doesn't hap very often.

Not to mention, each of their past 2 losses came to teams playing nan 2nd nighttime of a back-to-back. When is enough, enough?

While they're still successful nan heavy for a top-6 seed, Orlando is trending successful nan incorrect guidance arsenic nan All-Star break approaches. Once again, they are successful request of a awesome shingle up.

But will it come?