Donovan Mitchell poured in 27 of his 36 points after halftime as the Cleveland Cavaliers pulled away in the second half to defeat the Orlando Magic 119–105 on Saturday night.
Mitchell took over after the break, finishing 15-of-30 from the field while adding nine assists and two steals. Jaylon Tyson contributed 17 points for Cleveland, and Evan Mobley chipped in 13 points and seven rebounds as the Cavaliers continued their recent strong play.
Cleveland, playing without Darius Garland (sore toe) and De’Andre Hunter (sore knee), won for the fifth time in six games. The Cavs created separation late in the third quarter when Mitchell attacked the rim for four layups and a short bank shot. They then blew the game open early in the fourth with 3-pointers from Lonzo Ball, Mobley and Tyrese Proctor, pushing the lead to a game-high 97–79 just 3½ minutes into the period.
Paolo Banchero led Orlando with 27 points, while Desmond Bane added 20. Anthony Black finished with 16 points, five rebounds and five assists. Jalen Suggs returned after missing eight games with a bruised right knee and posted nine points and six assists in 24 minutes.
Banchero knocked down three 3-pointers in the fourth quarter to keep the Magic within striking distance, but Orlando couldn’t close the gap to fewer than nine points. The Magic struggled from deep, shooting just 11 of 40 (27.5%) from beyond the arc in their third straight loss — their first three-game skid since October. Franz Wagner missed his second consecutive game with a sore ankle.
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The Cavaliers and Magic will meet again Monday night in Cleveland.
