The Cleveland Cavaliers continued their perfect start, improving to 6-0 with a 120-109 victory over the Orlando Magic. Darius Garland led Cleveland with 25 points, while Donovan Mitchell added 22, helping the Cavs become the only unbeaten team in the Eastern Conference. This marks Cleveland’s best season start since 2016 when they were led by LeBron James, and the franchise’s best-ever start came with an 8-0 record in 1976.
Orlando’s All-Star Paolo Banchero missed his first game of the season due to a torn right oblique, an injury expected to sideline him for at least a month. Banchero had been on a strong run, averaging 29 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game before his injury. In his absence, Jalen Suggs stepped up, delivering a career-high 28 points, along with eight rebounds and seven assists, while Franz Wagner contributed 17 points.
Key Moments & Takeaways:
Late in the third quarter, Cleveland’s bench extended the lead, with Caris LeVert, Sam Merrill, and Georges Niang hitting consecutive three-pointers to build a 17-point advantage. Rookie Luke Travers made his NBA debut, scoring four points for Cleveland.
Magic Takeaway: With Banchero sidelined, Orlando’s offense could open new opportunities for Suggs to elevate his scoring and other players to develop.
Cavs Takeaway: Under first-year coach Kenny Atkinson, Cleveland has embraced a faster pace and increased three-point shooting, fueling their early success.
Stat Highlight: Cleveland’s impressive 30-7 record in Donovan Mitchell’s last 37 games since January showcases the impact of his presence in the lineup.
