Cavaliers win over Magic in series finale, after falling 18 points behind led by Donovan Mitchell 

The Cleveland Cavaliers, fueled by a phenomenal performance from Donovan Mitchell, completed a stunning comeback in their first-round playoff series against the Orlando Magic. In a thrilling Game 7 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse on Sunday, Cleveland clawed its way back from an 18-point deficit to secure a 106-94 victory and advance to the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

This win marked a significant milestone for the Cavaliers. It’s their first playoff series victory in six years, signifying a major step forward for a young and hungry team. The road to the semis wasn’t easy, however. They were without their All-Star center, Jarrett Allen, for the entire series due to a rib contusion. This placed immense pressure on the remaining players, particularly Donovan Mitchell.

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Mitchell rose to the occasion in spectacular fashion. He poured in a game-high 39 points, showcasing his offensive prowess throughout the contest. Notably, he exploded for 17 points in the pivotal third quarter, completely shifting the momentum in Cleveland’s favor. His clutch free throws (15 of 17 attempts) also proved instrumental in sealing the victory. This dominant performance came just two days after a valiant 50-point effort in a heartbreaking Game 6 loss to Orlando.

Mitchell wasn’t alone in his heroics. Caris LeVert provided valuable support off the bench, chipping in 15 points. Max Strus also played a key role, draining crucial three-pointers in the fourth quarter that helped extend Cleveland’s lead. It was a true team effort, with everyone stepping up to contribute in Allen’s absence.

The young Orlando Magic, led by rookie sensation Paolo Banchero, deserve immense credit for pushing the Cavs to the brink. Banchero, playing in his first career Game 7, displayed remarkable composure, collecting a near double-double with 38 points and 16 rebounds. Despite a slow start in the third quarter, the Magic fought valiantly throughout the game, even trimming the deficit to seven points in the fourth. However, Cleveland’s renewed defensive intensity and clutch free throws ultimately proved too much to overcome.

This series served as a coming-of-age moment for the Cavaliers. They displayed resilience, composure, and an unwavering belief in their ability to win, even when facing adversity. Now, they’ll face a formidable opponent in the top-seeded Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. While the Celtics won two out of three meetings during the regular season, Cleveland is brimming with confidence after their impressive series win. This matchup promises to be an exciting battle between two talented teams, with the Cavs looking to continue their playoff journey and potentially challenge for a place in the NBA Finals.