Donovan Mitchell Explodes for 45 Points to Lead Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers continued their strong stretch of form with a 114–98 victory over the Orlando Magic on Monday night at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, marking their fourth straight win in the 2025–26 NBA season.
Mitchell Dominates in High‑Scoring Affair
Donovan Mitchell was the star of the night, pouring in 45 points, including six three‑pointers and a dominant 26‑point first half that set the tone for Cleveland’s comeback after an early deficit. His performance was one of the most explosive scoring nights in the league this season.
Evan Mobley also contributed with 20 points and nine rebounds, helping the Cavs control the paint and maintain their lead through the second half. Jaylon Tyson added 14 points, seven rebounds, and four assists, showcasing Cleveland’s rising young talent.
Magic Show Offensive Firepower but Fall Short
Although the Magic lost, Paolo Banchero delivered a standout performance, registering a season‑high 37 points and 10 rebounds to keep Orlando in the contest early. Desmond Bane chipped in with 19 points, including a strong first‑half showing.
Orlando jumped out to an early 38–27 lead in the second quarter, but Cleveland responded with a pivotal 12–4 run late in the period to seize control heading into halftime. In the final quarter, the Cavaliers closed the game on an 8–2 run to secure the win.
Cavaliers Extend Winning Streak, Magic Struggle Continues
Cleveland’s victory keeps them above .500 and climbing in the Eastern Conference standings, having won 11 of their last 15 games. The Cavs have shown resilience after early turnovers and now look to build on their momentum as playoff positioning tightens.
Meanwhile, Orlando has now dropped three consecutive games, extending their season‑long inconsistency. Missing key rotational players and struggling to contain elite scoring talent like Mitchell has been a recurring issue for the Magic recently.
What’s Next for Both Teams
Looking ahead, the Cavaliers will aim to carry this form into their next home game — a pivotal matchup against a top Western Conference contender. The Magic will look to regroup on the road and find answers as they seek to climb back toward a .500 record in a competitive Eastern Conference.
