March 16, 2025 – The Orlando Magic broke the Cleveland Cavaliers’ all-time franchise high 16-game winning streak at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse with a 108-103 win. The Cavaliers hadn’t lost a game since Feb. 4, and the resilient Magic proved too much as they came from behind to come out on top.
The Cavaliers began well, taking a 38-25 lead into the first quarter. The Magic gradually whittled away at the advantage, reducing the margin to 60-47 at halftime. The Magic dominated the third quarter, outscoring the Cavaliers 35-23, and putting the game in position for a closely fought fourth quarter.
Key Performances
Orlando Magic
- Paolo Banchero: The first-year forward had a great game with 24 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists, displaying his versatility and composure under pressure.
- Franz Wagner: The second-year guard added 22 points and was a key figure in the Magic’s offense, especially in their second-half run.
- Wendell Carter Jr.: The center tallied a double-double with 16 points and 14 rebounds, being a dominant force in the paint.
Cleveland Cavaliers
- Donovan Mitchell: Back from a two-game absence, Mitchell paced the Cavaliers with 23 points but was ineffective in the last moments, missing shots that might have had a turnaround effect on the game.
- Jarrett Allen: The big man contributed 20 points and 12 rebounds, as consistent as he has been all season.
Decisive Moments
In the final minutes, the Magic showed poise and strategic play. Orlando took the lead 104-103 when Banchero made a 16-foot jumper. After Cleveland’s De’Andre Hunter missed a three-point attempt, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope made two free throws to put Orlando up by three points with 31 seconds left. The Cavaliers had chances to tie, but the kiss of death came in the form of missed three-point attempts by Max Strus and Donovan Mitchell.
Implications for Both Teams
- Cleveland Cavaliers: The defeat stalled their remarkable winning spree and could lead the team to revise strategies, particularly in finishing close games. In spite of the loss, the Cavaliers are still a competitive team in the Eastern Conference.
- Orlando Magic: The win is a big morale lifter, showing that they can hang with elite teams. The play of young stars such as Banchero and Wagner shows promise for the future of the franchise.
The Cavaliers will look to bounce back in their next game, working on staying consistent and improving late-game performance. The Magic will aim to capitalize on the momentum, leveraging the victory to increase improvement and success in the season.
