Orlando Magic Upset the Cleveland Cavaliers

The Orlando Magic had a quick turnaround Tuesday night, after they defeated the Miami Heat on Monday in Miami. They came back to Orlando the following night and defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Magic defeated Cleveland with a final score of 116-98.

Cavs Started Strong

The Cavs started out strong in the first quarter, as well as throughout the second. In fact, the Cavs at one point lead by 21 points. However, the Magic’s comeback started at the end of the third quarter with Jonathan Simmons’s buzzer beater in the third quarter. Also, the 19-2 run in the third quarter by the Magic didn’t help the Cavs either. Twelve of those points also belonged to Simmons.

The entire game was back in forth. Cleveland scored 43 points in the first, but then went 6 1/2 minutes without scoring in the fourth. In the fourth quarter of the game, it was just back and fourth. With 11 minutes left, Dwayne Wade hit a three and tied the game 92-92.

Orlando produced another decisive run early in the fourth quarter.

When Wade sank a 3-pointer to tie the score 92-92 with 10:59 left in the game, the Magic responded by outscoring the Cavaliers 19-1.

The Magic have had a rough season and this win was their first two game win streak since November 10th.

Leaders of the Pack

Jonathan Simmons led in points for all players, regardless of their team Tuesday night. He added 34 points, regardless of a sprained ankle that he suffered in his last game against the Miami Heat. On Monday, in Miami, he was going for a jump shot, but landed on Heat guard Josh Richardson’s foot.

For the Cavs, Lebron added 25 points and 10 rebounds. However despite this loss, James says he’s staying with this team regardless of the trade deadline rapidly approaching.

“I’m here for the long haul for this season right now. I couldn’t give up on my teammates like that, at the end of the day we’re all brothers and I would never waive my no trade clause” James says.

Cavs in a Slump

James was not the only one to see his production wane as the game wore on. The trio of Isaiah Thomas, Derrick Rose and JR Smith combined to go 0-for-17 (0-for-7 from 3-point territory) after the first quarter.

After the first quarter Isaiah Thomas, Derrick Rose, and JR Smith together went for 0-for-17 after the first quarter. Thomas after his injury, has not been able to bounce back will and it showed in this game against the Magic. He finished with 11 points and was 3-for-13 on shooting, and didn’t score a single point in the second half. Thomas really questioned his team’s effort. “When adversity hits, we go our separate ways,” he said.

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In the NBA East the Cavs remain at third while the Magic sit at second to last right in front of the Atlanta Hawks. Up next, the Magic have a home game against the Hawks, and the Cavs will return to Cleveland. The Cavs will take on the Minnesota Timberwolves tonight at 8PM.