ORLANDO, Fla. — Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson considered leaving some players back in Cleveland but decided against it. He didn’t want to disrupt the team’s good vibes.
It turned out to be the right choice.
The Cavaliers took down the Orlando Magic, 119-105, marking their fifth win in six games. This performance has pushed them up the Eastern Conference standings, while Orlando has now lost three straight games, its longest slump since October.
Atkinson praised his team, emphasizing the importance of relying on everyone. “Trust your roster. Trust your bench,” he said. “We rotated a lot of guys, and our young players continue to impress.”
Even with injuries to key players — Darius Garland, Sam Merrill, and Max Strus — the Cavs showed resilience. They traveled to Orlando after a late night and still managed to play strong.
Cleveland started off well, leading by two after a tense first quarter. They surged in the second, thanks to Nae’Qwan Tomlin, who hit two three-pointers. The Magic fought back, but the Cavs took the lead for good halfway through the second quarter. By halftime, they were ahead by seven, limiting the Magic to just 48 points on 37.5% shooting.
In the second half, the Cavs stretched their lead to 18 points, displaying skillful teamwork and sharp shooting. Star guard Donovan Mitchell led the charge with 36 points, including 17 in the fourth quarter. He pointed out that the team is learning to keep their defensive energy up, regardless of their offensive struggles.
Mitchell’s performance puts him in the spotlight for an upcoming All-Star spot. He usually rests during the fourth quarter, but Atkinson kept him on the court, believing his impact was crucial. “He was great at both ends,” Atkinson noted, highlighting Mitchell’s ability to uplift his teammates.
Jaylon Tyson added 17 points, while Evan Mobley and rookie Tyrese Proctor also contributed significantly. Orlando’s Paolo Banchero led his team with 27 points, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Cavaliers.
Atkinson expressed his pride in the team’s collective effort. “We’re doing it by committee,” he said. “It’s contagious. I saw some of the old Cavs basketball from last season.”
A few weeks ago, Atkinson sensed a surge coming, and now it’s here. The Cavs are climbing up the standings.
Next up, they’ll take on the Magic again at home on Monday night at 7 p.m.
### Additional Insights
Recent statistics show that team depth is crucial in the NBA. According to a 2022 report from the National Basketball Association, teams with strong bench players have a higher winning percentage. This aligns with Atkinson’s strategy of utilizing his entire roster effectively.
Furthermore, social media is buzzing about the Cavaliers’ recent turnaround. Fans are sharing highlights and discussing possible All-Star selections for Mitchell. The excitement for the Cavs is growing, echoing sentiments from their impressive performances of the past season when they were expected to be serious contenders.
This season, it’s evident that teamwork and resilience are key for the Cavs as they aim for playoffs, making for an exciting journey ahead.
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