The Cavaliers and Magic face off on Sunday in a winner-take-all Game 7. The winner will face the Celtics in the second round. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
The Orlando Magic and Cleveland Cavaliers saved us. From what, you may ask? From a Round 1 without a single Game 7. Every other Round 1 series has ended without a winner-take-all contest, but the Magic and Cavs are going far.
Both teams are trying to reach the second round of the playoffs for the first time in a few years. The Cavs haven’t reached the second round since 2017-2018. But the Magic haven’t reached the second round since 2009-2010, and since then have had four first-round exits.
The Magic have an even higher mountain to climb today than the Cavs. They’re playing the Cavs in Cleveland, and the home teams have an advantage not just overall, but in this series specifically: all six games in this series have been the home team’s.
Can the Magic beat the Cavs at home for the first time in this series? Can the Cavs beat a young, hungry Magic team? Follow all the action from Game 7 here.
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Some guys are getting hurt right now. Jalen Suggs has been limping for several minutes. Paolo Banchero appeared to land awkwardly with about four minutes remaining in the 4th. Darius Garland injured his hand before making a few free throws. It’s been a physical game and there’s still more to come.
What a difference 12 minutes can make. The Magic were ahead at the end of the second quarter, with a 10-point lead and a Cavs team looking confused and directionless.
At the end of the third, the Cavs had an eight-point lead and outscored the Magic by 18 points in the fourth.
Max Strus’ consecutive threes gave the Cavs their biggest lead of the game – six points. Strus came to life in the second half and the fans are loving it.
The Cavs haven’t led since the first minutes of the game. But with 3:39 left in the third quarter, they took a two-point lead thanks to Caris LeVert’s free throws.
But without Mitchell taking control, they would have no advantage. He is 10 of 21 with 32 points. It’s his game now.
Donovan Mitchell has been stepping up in the third quarter. He scored 24 points in 27 minutes on 7-of-18 shooting, just one point less than Orlando’s Paolo Banchero.
Just two minutes into the third quarter, the Cavs are in command of the court. They reduced the deficit to just four points and look like a different team.
Paolo Banchero is warning everyone.
Paolo Banchero is the second player aged 21 or younger to score 20+ points in a Game 7.
After a long series of successes for the Magic, a few decisions in a row go in favor of the Cavs. They managed to take Orlando out of the game with just over two minutes remaining in the first half. Cleveland has a lot of ground to cover to put itself in a good position to start the third quarter, but the fans are back, which should help.
Cleveland is shooting 22% so far (0-of-8 from 3). Big reason why Orlando opened up a big lead at the beginning of the 2nd quarter. Banchero’s hot start is another reason.
Paolo Banchero makes a three-pointer to extend the Magic’s lead. They look very comfortable despite being the away team.
Nashville’s ABC affiliate appears to be a bigger fan of ocean shows than NBA basketball.
Nashville’s ABC affiliate is joining the ongoing Game 7 at 12:30 p.m. local time so it can broadcast “Ocean Mysteries with Jeff Corwin.” Gotta love local affiliates. https://t.co/BBnzSxVw5T
Welcome to the first and only Game 7 of the NBA playoffs to date. The Magic and Cavs treated us to a winner-take-all contest this Sunday afternoon, and you can catch all the action right here.
Cavs coach JB Bickerstaff started the day with the grumpy, incredulous energy you can only get from an NBA coach before Game 7.
“You’re a goddamn genius.”#Cavs coach JB Bickerstaff when he was asked if Game 7 was a must-win game.
