The Cleveland Cavaliers emerged victorious in the first two games of their playoff matchup against the Orlando Magic, showcasing their dominance on both ends of the court.
Despite their early success, Cavs star Donovan Mitchell expressed a desire for improvement, acknowledging that the team can elevate their performance.
Mitchell’s emphasis on perfection resonates with the Cavs’ overall mindset as they head to Orlando for Game 3 of the series.
The Cavs have established a strong defensive presence, holding the Magic to a measly 84.5 points per game and 34.3% shooting. Third-year forward Evan Mobley has been instrumental in neutralizing Orlando’s leading scorer, Paolo Banchero.
Cleveland has also dominated the rebounding battle, with starting center Jarrett Allen leading the charge with 38 rebounds through the first two games.
Despite their defensive success, the Cavs have encountered offensive challenges, ranking 11th out of 16 teams in offensive rating and committing 33 turnovers. Point guard Darius Garland and Mitchell have both contributed to the turnover count, with Garland tallying nine and Mitchell recording seven.
The Cavs are aware of the need to address their offensive struggles as they face the Magic in Orlando, a city eager to host its first playoff game since 2019.
Cavs coach J.B. Bickerstaff emphasized the importance of maintaining a focused approach on the road, recognizing the challenge posed by the Magic’s home-court advantage.
Despite their current 2-0 lead, the Cavs remain determined to improve and secure a 3-0 advantage in Game 3. A victory in Orlando would bring the Cavs one step closer to their first playoff series win since 2018 and their first without LeBron James.
The series is set to continue with Game 3 taking place in Orlando on Thursday. The Cavs will aim to maintain their dominance and take a commanding lead in their pursuit of a playoff berth.
