Donovan Mitchell shines as Cleveland Cavaliers make it 1-0 against Orlando Magic in playoffs

The NBA Playoffs 2024 have officially begun, with the first game of the first round series between Cleveland Cavaliers and Orlando Magic. The Cavs took the 1-0 lead by a score of 97-83, and with a great performance by their star, Donovan Mitchell. Paolo Banchero was the best of the visitors.

The game was very physical from the start, but Mitchell managed to stand out above the rest with a game-high 30 points, three assists, three steals and 1-21 shooting from the field (52.4% TC), very well accompanied by the inside duo of Jarrett Allen (16 points and 18 rebounds) and Evan Mobley (16 points, 11 rebounds and three blocks).

Orlando went virtually the entire game against the run of play. In fact, with the exception of a small close score at the beginning of the third quarter, the Magic did not put Cleveland in much trouble. Paolo Banchero was the best for Florida with a 24-point, seven-rebound, five-assist performance. The team was unable to take advantage of the disaster from the perimeter that was the Cavs during the game. Despite making their first five three-pointers, they missed 22 of their next 25, finishing 8-of-30.

Thus, Cleveland Cavaliers put the 1-0 in their favor in the playoffs, keeping for now the home court factor over Orlando Magic. Game 2 will be played again in Ohio on Tuesday, April 23, at 19:00 PM ET.