ORLANDO — The Magic entered Game 6 on the brink of elimination. Down 3-games-to-2, the team knew it was do or die.
With the home crowd at the Kia Center behind them, the Magic were able to pull off the win over the Cavaliers by a score of 103-96, forcing a Game 7.
Paolo Banchero, who is playing in his first career playoff series, led the way for the Magic once again.
“We’ve definitely learned a lot through this series, seeing what works and what doesn’t work. Knowing what we have to do to win a game,” Banchero told FortyEightMinutes and other media in attendance.
About his first-ever Game 7 on Sunday, Banchero had this to say:
“I’m excited. It’s a do-or-die situation, so we’ll have to put together another special performance.”
Paolo Banchero scored 27 points on 9-for-20 shooting. He knocked down 2-for-5 from the three-point line and 7-for-10 from the free-throw line. Banchero also grabbed eight rebounds, dished out four assists, and recorded one steal.
The Magic defeated the Cavaliers despite a huge 50-point performance from Donovan Mitchell. Mitchell shot 22-for-36 from the field. He knocked down 3-for-9 from the three-point line. Mitchell also grabbed four rebounds and dished out four assists.
“We did a great job of staying together and we were all locked in, but ultimately we didn’t end up with the victory, so we just have to go home and take care of business,” Mitchell explained postgame. We didn’t win the game. At the end of the day, I had 50 but we lost.”
More Magic Contributions
- Franz Wagner scored 26 points, grabbed five rebounds, dished out two assists, recorded a steal, and blocked two shots.
- Jalen Suggs scored 22 points, grabbed six rebounds, dished out four assists, and recorded a steal.
Where To Watch Game 7
Game 7 is Sunday afternoon from Rocket Mortgage Field House in Cleveland, Ohio. Tip-off is at 1 p.m. Eastern.
The game will air nationally on ABC.
