06/05/2024 08:30hs.
Los Cleveland Cavaliersled by Donovan Mitchell and who trailed by 18 points in the second quarter, came back this Sunday and ended up beating the Orlando Magic 106-94 in the seventh and final game of this series to qualify for the semifinals of the NBA Eastern Conference. Fourth in the regular season in their conference, The Cavaliers will now face the Boston Celticsfirst in the East with the best balance in the league.
The Cavaliers had not overcome a tie – without having LeBron James on their roster – since 1993. This is also the biggest comeback in a seventh game in the NBA since there was ‘play-by-play’ (1997).
Mitchell, whose 50 points were left without a prize in the sixth game, added 9 rebounds and 5 assists this Sunday and scored 39 decisive points, 17 of them in a spectacular third quarter that ignited the local comeback (33-15). Without the injured Jarrett Alllen, Evan Mobley stepped up with 11 points, 16 rebounds and 5 blocks. Caris LeVert, coming off the bench, contributed 15 points and Max Strus had 13 (11 in the third quarter). Darius Garland did not have his day (12 points on 3 of 13 shooting) but he made several key plays in the outcome.
The 38 points and 16 rebounds of a sensational Paolo Banchero were not enough for some young Magic who, despite the elimination, have had a great season and have a bright future. Wendell Carter added 13 points and 7 rebounds, Franz Wagner was not good with 6 points and 1 of 15 shooting and Jalen Suggs did not shine either, with 10 points and 9 rebounds but 2 of 13 in attempts to the basket.
Donovan Mitchell left her small. (AFP)
What’s coming
The first game of the Celtics-Cavaliers series will be played in Boston this Tuesday. Meanwhile, this Monday, the New York Knicks host the Indiana Pacers at the start of the other East semi while the Denver Nuggets host the Timberwolves (1-0 Minnesota) in the second half of the West’s head-to-head semi-final.
Video: the best five plays of the game
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