The young Orlando Magic continued to impress the NBA world with another gutsy performance to force Game 7 against the Cleveland Cavaliers . It was tightly fourth match, but Orlando dominated the fourth quarter, winning 103-96.
Sophomore forward Paolo Banchero stood out for the Magic, scoring ten of his 27 points in the final period. It was a much-needed game from him and the rest of Orlando's roster because they overcame Donovan Mitchell's tremendous 50-point night, where he scored all of Cleveland's 18 fourth-quarter points.
Banchero showed excitement ahead of Game 7 because the Magic are ready to prove the doubters wrong by pulling off this magnificent comeback from 0-2 down in the series.
"It's awesome. I think going down 2-0 early, you kinda figure that if we had to win, it's probably going to have to be in seven," Paolo said after the Game 6 win . "It's a do-or-die situation, so we gotta put in another special effort."
Mitchell's efforts were not enough
Spida carried the Cavs for the entire game but was let down by his team in the final period. Mitchell did his best to help Cleveland win Game 6 to advance into the second round, but it was not enough. He scored 50 points but could not lead Coach J.B. Bickerstaff's team to victory. He is shaking this loss off and will still hold himself accountable ahead of a do-or-die matchup.
The rest of the Cavaliers must play better in Game 7 if they want to advance to the second round to play against the Boston Celtics. Donovan must receive support from his teammates, particularly Darius Garland and Evan Mobley. They have the skill set to keep up and compete with this Magic team.
The Cavs must also find ways to stop Banchero and Franz Wagner, two young and hungry players focused on winning. The forward partnership must keep playing well if Orlando wants to win and advance to the Eastern Conference semi-finals.
Like Banchero, Donovan has shown some excitement for the final do-or-die game for either team.
"I think it's the best two words in sports. No matter what round it is, first, second, third, Finals. All the stuff you did for six games goes out the window," Mitchell said in his post-game presser. "It's all about desperation, the will, it's gonna be just like tonight… I have no doubt we will show up, I have no doubt Cleveland will show up, and I'm excited for Cleveland to be in Game 7."
Cleveland has the home-court advantage
While Orlando won Game 6 and has the momentum, the do-or-die game is in Cleveland's hands. The Cavs are the hosts, giving them a home-court advantage. It is up to Banchero, Wagner, and the Magic coaching staff to psyche themselves out of playing in a harsh environment during Game 7.
"This is the moment you play for. It is why you do it. You do it for these moments. So, being on the road, Game 7 has the ability to come together to continue to grow in each game. That is what this group is looking forward to," Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley said ahead of the do-or-die game.
The environment will be hostile for the Magic, but this young Orlando team is ready for the challenge. Everything goes out the window, and both teams want to focus on winning the do-or-die game. It will be a tough matchup for both, especially since it can go either way based on what has transpired over the first six games.
Related: Mark Jackson believes the Cavaliers are an underrated team that can surprise in the Playoffs: "They have a home-run hitter in Mitchell"
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