In a thrilling NBA playoff matchup, Paolo Banchero led the Orlando Magic to a 103-96 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers, forcing a Game 7 in their first-round series. Banchero scored 27 points, with 10 crucial points coming in the fourth quarter to secure the win for the Magic.
Teammates Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs also had impressive performances, contributing 26 and 22 points respectively. Despite Donovan Mitchell’s incredible 50-point effort for the Cavaliers, the Magic’s strong team effort and Banchero’s clutch plays proved to be the difference in the game.
With the series tied at 3-3, Game 7 will take place in Cleveland, where the Cavs have had success in previous games. The Magic, on the other hand, are looking to secure their first playoff series win in 14 years, making the upcoming game a must-watch for basketball fans.
In another playoff matchup, the Dallas Mavericks defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 114-101 to advance to the second round. Luka Doncic led the way with 28 points and 13 assists, while Kyrie Irving added 30 points in a second-half surge.
The Mavericks’ victory marked their first win over the Clippers in three first-round series matchups over the past five seasons. They will now face the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference semifinals.
Despite a strong effort from Paul George and James Harden, the Clippers were unable to overcome the Mavericks’ offensive firepower and were eliminated in the first round for the second consecutive season.