Pregame Report from AdventHealth Training Center
ORLANDO – The Orlando Magic have a script they would like to follow for Game 4 of their first-round series with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
If it were a Hollywood storyline, they would be more than happy if critics labeled it “repetitive” or simply “a carbon copy” of Game 3.
The Magic will attempt to deliver a repeat performance and even the series when they host the Cavaliers on Saturday at 1 pm ET.
“We know the performance that we had and how we played,” said Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley of Orlando’s success in Game 3. “But we also know how Cleveland is going to come out because of the score. It is just one game. We talked about protecting home court. So, our energy, effort, attitude, and our mindset walking into Game 4 has to be similar, if not more, for what (we want) to be able to do.”
The Magic are happy to once again have their home crowd behind them. A raucous Kia Center crowd played a pivotal role in helping ignite Orlando’s offense and give them momentum even after they missed their first nine shots of Game 3.
“Just the confidence that (the fans) give you after every bucket,” said Magic guard Jalen Suggs, who’s coming off a night where he went 9-for-11 from the field and posted 24 points. “You see everybody stand up, you hear everybody cheer (and) you hear the roars. I think it excites you to come back down, get a stop, (and) go do it again. It gives you a bit of extra motivation. Some juice. Some more pop in your step. So, it was definitely felt, and it was rocking in here (on Thursday). Boy, that was fun. We (were) talking about it all game – just how lit, how energetic it is in there, and yeah, I’d like to keep doing this here.”
The Magic’s 121-83 victory over the Cavs marked the third-largest triumph in franchise postseason history. It was also the largest defeat of all time for Cleveland in the postseason. So, Orlando is well aware of what type of response it’s expecting from its opposition on Saturday afternoon.
“We have to come out and be the first one to throw the punch,” said Magic center Wendell Carter Jr., whose return to the starting lineup bolstered Orlando’s physicality on the glass on Thursday. “We did that in Game 3. Our biggest thing is winning first quarters.”
KEY STATS: Speaking of repeat performances, the Magic would not mind a re-run of Paolo Banchero’s act from Game 3.
With a 31-point, 14-rebound, and five-assist showing, Orlando’s All-Star forward became the first player in NBA history to have at least 30 points, 10 boards and five dimes in less than 30 minutes played.
And after giveaways plagued him in the first two contests of the series, Banchero became the youngest player in league history to put up 30-plus points and 10-plus rebounds and not record a single turnover.
“You’re just seeing a generational talent, man,” said Magic guard Markelle Fultz of Banchero’s performance. “It’s a young guy, who’s hungry to be great. He’s very humble, puts in the work, and honestly, just wants to do whatever he needs to do to help his team win. That’s the worst part about it, man. He’s not out there chasing stats … (He’s) someone who is going to be great for a long, long time.”
QUOTE TO NOTE: “They played a huge role. I don’t think people realize how much of a difference it makes. When you make a play, or you score and the whole arena erupts every single time, it just gives you a huge energy boost and it makes you forget that you’re tired or whatever it may be. (I) definitely give a lot of credit to the Magic faithful.” – Banchero on the crowd at Kia Center
IN AND OUT: Orlando continues to have a clean bill of health entering Game 4.
For Cleveland, Ty Jerome (right ankle; surgery), Craig Porter Jr. (left ankle; sprain), and Dean Wade (right knee; sprain) are out.
