By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
Opening the NBA Playoffs presented by Google Pixel, multiple comeback bids by the Orlando Magic fell short in Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse.
Leading from start to finish and securing a win, 97-83, the Cleveland Cavaliers drew a 1-0 advantage in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals best-of-seven series, spoiling the Magic’s return to the Playoffs on Saturday.
In his first postseason appearance, German Franz Wagner shook off a slow start to make 7/15 from the field and ended up with 18 points. He added seven rebounds, three assists, three blocks, and one steal in Game 1. Coming off the bench, his brother Moritz Wagner finished with ten points, five rebounds, and one steal. Georgian Goga Bitadze did not play. British Admiral Schofield was among the inactive players.
With most of the players for the team coached by Jamahl Mosley debuting in the Playoffs, the franchise based in Florida competed in the postseason for the first time since 2020. The Cavs ended a four-year postseason drought last year but were eliminated in the first round by the New York Knicks in five games.
A brilliant performance by Donovan Mitchell amounting to 30 points with 11/21 field goals stood out in the opener of the series opposite the Magic on the first Playoffs installment of NBA Saturdays. Ty Jerome (right ankle surgery), Craig Porter Jr. (left ankle sprain), and Dean Wade (right knee sprain) were on the injury list.
Staying in Cleveland, Game 2 is scheduled to be played on Monday.