Cavs Look to Keep Rolling Against Magic Behind Mitchell’s Brilliance
The Cleveland Cavaliers are gearing up for a rare back-to-back showdown with the same opponent, facing the Orlando Magic for the second straight game. They took care of business in the first meeting, notching a 119-105 win on the road. But as any NBA team will tell you, beating the same squad twice in a row-especially in quick succession-is no walk in the park.
There’s a reason teams often split these mini-series. The losing side comes in with a chip on their shoulder, ready to adjust.
What worked the first time won’t always fly in the rematch. Throw in the chaos of a winter storm disrupting routines, and you’ve got a game that could feel very different from the last one-even if the jerseys are the same.
Still, Cleveland is trending in the right direction. Winners of three straight, the Cavs are playing some of their best basketball of the season. Another win would tie their longest win streak of the year, and more importantly, it would signal that this team is starting to find its stride.
Donovan Mitchell: In Control and In His Bag
The first game in Orlando was a showcase for Donovan Mitchell. This wasn’t just a good game-it was one of those “clear the runway” performances where he looked completely in control of the action. Floaters, acrobatic finishes, crafty footwork-Mitchell pulled out the full arsenal.
With Darius Garland still sidelined, Mitchell’s had to shoulder a heavy load, toggling between scoring and playmaking. That balance hasn’t always been seamless, but when he finds it, the Cavs hit another gear.
The numbers back it up: Cleveland is now 10-1 this season when Mitchell drops 35 or more. When he’s in rhythm, this team becomes a problem for anyone.
Cleaning It Up: Turnovers Still an Issue
If there’s one thing keeping Cleveland from fully taking off, it’s the turnovers. Even during this recent stretch of strong play, the Cavs have been a little too generous with the basketball.
In the first matchup against Orlando, Cleveland turned it over 17 times. That’s still more than you want, but believe it or not, it was actually a step in the right direction. The Cavs have been near the bottom of the league in turnover percentage this month-26th, to be exact.
That’s the kind of stat that can derail momentum, especially against a young, athletic team like the Magic. Orlando thrives in transition, and careless possessions are exactly what they’re looking to capitalize on. If Cleveland wants to complete the sweep, they’ll need to tighten things up and make sure every possession counts.
What’s at Stake
This isn’t just about extending a win streak-it’s about sending a message. The Cavs are starting to look like the team many expected to see earlier in the season: tough, balanced, and capable of locking in on both ends of the floor. But consistency is the name of the game in the NBA, and beating a motivated opponent twice in a row is a real test of that.
If Mitchell keeps cooking, and if the Cavs can limit the self-inflicted wounds, there’s every reason to believe they can walk away with another win-and a little more momentum heading into the heart of the season.