In a thrilling conclusion to the NBA Eastern Conference first-round playoffs, the Cleveland Cavaliers emerged victorious against the Orlando Magic with a final score of 106-94 in Game 7. Held at the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, the Cavaliers secured the series 4-3, earning their spot to face the Boston Celtics in the Eastern semifinals.
Both the Cavaliers and the Magic showcased strong performances at home, each winning their three home games leading up to Sunday's decisive match. However, the Cavaliers overcame a challenging start when the Magic leveraged their size, power, and athleticism to dominate the early minutes of the game.
Orlando's Paolo Banchero was a standout player, exploiting mismatches with smaller defenders and asserting his presence in the paint. To counter this, the Cavaliers prioritized defensive strategies, instructing Evan Mobley to drop back and protect the rim. This adjustment was key, as it limited the Magic's ability to set up open shots both in the mid-range and from beyond the arc.
With this hard-fought victory, the Cavaliers now look ahead to their next challenge against the Boston Celtics, with Game 1 scheduled at TD Garden in Boston on Tuesday. Fans worldwide are eagerly anticipating the semifinal matchup, which promises more high-stakes action and memorable moments.
Reference(s):
NBA highlights on May 5: Mitchell guards Cavs' home in Game 7
cgtn.com
