Donovan Mitchell, Cavs Impress NBA Fans with Game 2 Win vs. Paolo Banchero, Magic

Cleveland Cavaliers star guard Donovan Mitchell put on another strong performance to help lead the team to a 96-86 victory over the Orlando Magic in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series on Monday.

Mitchell finished with a game-high 23 points, 19 of which came in the first half, and added eight rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block as the Cavs took a 2-0 series lead. He scored 30 points in Saturday’s Game 1.

The 27-year-old set the tone early by opening the game with a three-pointer. He put on a scintillating performance in the first half before cooling down in the second. However, he came up with some key buckets in the fourth quarter.

Mitchell was one of five Cavs to score in double figures. Evan Mobley added 17 points while Jarrett Allen had 16 points and 20 rebounds. Darius Garland chipped in 15 points and Isaac Okoro had 10 points off the bench.

Paolo Banchero led the Magic with 21 points, while Franz Wagner added 18. Cleveland led by as many as 22 points before Orlando made a late comeback that ended up falling short. It’s the second straight game that the Magic have held to less than 90 points.

Mitchell and the Cavs earned praise from fans on social media for their impressive showing on Monday:

Through two playoff games, Mitchell appears to be on a mission. If he continues playing like this, Cleveland has a strong chance to make a deep playoff run in the Eastern Conference.

The series heads to Orlando for Game 3, as the Cavs and Magic will meet again on Thursday at the Kia Center. It will be Orlando’s first home playoff game since 2020.