The first playoffs for the Wagner brothers ended in great disappointment. An 18-point lead from the first half wasn’t enough for Orlando in Cleveland, and Franz Wagner had his worst game in ages. There were only 6 points (1/15 FG, 0/5 three-pointers) and 6 assists for the Berliner, who also had foul problems in the first half.
There, Paolo Banchero (38, 10/28 FG, 15/18 FT, 16 rebounds) made sure that Orlando scored enough, but after the break he also had problems because the Cavs threw everything at him. That was possible because Jalen Suggs (10, 2/13) also didn’t score. Moritz Wagner (3, 1/2, 2 rebounds in 12 minutes) was also not a factor. Orlando shot just 33.7 percent from the field for the game.
Cleveland, on the other hand, could rely on Donovan Mitchell (39, 11/27 FG, 15/17 FT), who caught fire after the break after a mediocre first half and seemed to turn the game around on his own. A few three-pointers from Max Strus (13, 3/6 3P) and the once again elite defense from Evan Mobley (11, 16 rebounds, 5 blocks), who had to replace the injured Jarrett Allen (ribs) at center, helped. Caris LeVert also scored in double figures.
With four home wins, the Cavs secured their first series victory in the playoffs since the departure of LeBron James. The top seed in the Eastern Conference, the Boston Celtics, is now waiting; Game 1 of the series is scheduled for Wednesday night at 1 a.m. German time.