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Cavaliers Soar to 6-0 with 120-109 Win Over Magic

On Friday night, the Cleveland Cavaliers continued their hot streak, with Darius Garland leading the charge with 25 points and Donovan Mitchell contributing an additional 22. The Cavs handed the Orlando Magic a 120-109 loss, marking their sixth straight win. This was the Magic’s first game without their injured All-Star, Paolo Banchero.

Unbeaten Cavs Make History in Eastern Conference

This winning streak brings the Cavaliers to an incredible 6-0, making them the only undefeated team in the Eastern Conference. The Cavs last achieved this feat in 2016, led by LeBron James. The team’s record start remains 8-0, a feat accomplished in 1976. The face-off between the Cavs and Magic was a riveting rematch of last season’s nail-biting opening-round playoff series, which was clinched by the Cavs in seven games.

All-Star Banchero’s Absence Felt in Orlando

Top pick of the 2022 draft, Banchero, is anticipated to be out of the game for a minimum of one month due to a torn right oblique, a heavy blow to the Magic. Before his injury, Banchero was delivering phenomenal performances, averaging 29 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 5.6 assists. In his absence, Jalen Suggs stepped up to the plate, scoring a career-high 28 points, alongside eight rebounds and seven assists. Franz Wagner also chipped in with 17 points.

Cavaliers’ Rookie Luke Travers Makes Debut

In other highlights, Cavaliers’ rookie Luke Travers made his NBA debut. The Australian player managed to score four points in the closing stages of the game.

Key Takeaways and Upcoming Games

The Magic, although feeling the absence of Banchero, have the potential to further develop their offensive game, with the likes of Suggs stepping up. The Cavaliers, on the other hand, have shown great adaptability to first-year coach Kenny Atkinson’s offensive system, setting a faster pace and increasing their 3-pointer shots.

A key moment in the game came when the Magic were trailing by 10 points late in the third quarter. Cavaliers’ reserves Caris LeVert, Sam Merrill, and Georges Niang all scored 3-pointers in the final 2:17, extending Cleveland’s lead to 17 points entering the fourth quarter.

The Cavaliers’ victory takes their record to an impressive 30-7 in Mitchell’s last 37 regular-season games since January.

The Magic are set to continue their road trip against Dallas on Sunday, while the Cavs are scheduled to play in Milwaukee on Saturday, before hosting the Bucks on Monday.