The Orlando Magic are just half-a-game back of the East’s No.6 seed after finishing atop the Cleveland Cavaliers 116-109 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in their first appearance since the All-Star break.
Six Magic finished in double-figures scoring with Mo Wagner (22 pts, 7 reb) and Joe Ingles (12 pts, 4/4 FG, game-high +23) proving crucial off the bench.
Paolo Banchero (12 pts, 4/15 FG), Franz Wagner (14 pts, 6/11 FG), Wendell Carter Jr. (12 pts, 5/7 FG) and Cole Anthony (13 pts, 6 ast, 6/8 FG) were among the other contributors.
The Magic leapt out to an early lead that grew to as high as 14 in the second period before a Cavs fightback saw it evaporate on the other side of halftime.
Undeterred, the Magic knuckled down with an extended 34-21 run to snatch their lead back and hold on for the win.
Despite losing the paint and boards battle, the Magic stayed in the game courtesy of hot shooting from the field (43/84, 51.2%) and three (14/25, 56/0%) whilst their bench outscored Cleveland’s by 39.
With All-Star Donovan Mitchell out due to illness, Jarrett Allen (18 pts, 10 reb), Darius Garland (18 pts, 10 ast), and Max Strus (18 pts, 7/10 FG) led the way for the Cavs.
They will be back in action against the 76ers in the second half of a back-to-back tomorrow whilst the Magic are in Detroit on Sunday.
