Magic defeat Cavaliers with Banchero’s 31 points; Nuggets narrowly beat Lakers in NBA Playoffs

In a thrilling night of NBA playoff action, Paolo Banchero led the Orlando Magic to a crucial Game 3 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers with a stellar performance. Banchero dominated the court, scoring 31 points and grabbing 14 rebounds to help the Magic secure a 96-58 win over the Cavaliers.

The fifth-seeded Magic, who were trailing 2-0 in the series, desperately needed a win to stay alive, and Banchero delivered in spectacular fashion. His four 3-pointers and seven offensive rebounds were instrumental in the team’s offensive explosion, as they scored more points in three quarters than they did in the first two games combined.

On the other side, Jarrett Allen and Caris LeVert tried to keep the Cavaliers in the game with 15 points each, but it was not enough to overcome the Magic’s dominant performance. The 38-point loss marked the worst defeat in Cleveland’s postseason history, putting them in a tough position as the series progresses.

In other playoff action, Joel Embiid put on a show for the Philadelphia 76ers, scoring a playoff career-high 50 points to lead his team to a 125-114 victory over the New York Knicks. The win cut the 76ers’ deficit in the series to 2-1, giving them hope for a comeback.

Meanwhile, Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets continued their dominance over the Los Angeles Lakers, grabbing a 3-0 series lead with a 112-105 win. Jokic’s all-around performance, along with strong contributions from Aaron Gordon, Jamal Murray, and Michael Porter Jr., proved too much for the Lakers to handle, despite solid outings from Anthony Davis and LeBron James.

The NBA playoffs continue to deliver thrilling matchups and unforgettable performances, keeping fans on the edge of their seats as the quest for the championship intensifies.