Franz Wagner took charge in the third quarter, leading the Magic to a dominant victory over the Cavaliers. With 34 points and 13 rebounds, Wagner played a key role as the Magic held the Cavaliers scoreless for almost seven minutes in the second half.
The game, once competitive, turned into a rout as the Magic outscored the Cavaliers 37-10 in the third quarter, tying the series at 2-2.
After a strong first half where Cleveland scored 60 points, they struggled in the second half, managing only 29 points. Magic coach Jamahl Mosley admitted it was one of the most dominant defensive quarters he had seen.
Wagner’s performance, especially in the third quarter, shifted the momentum in favor of the Magic, and they never looked back. The series now moves to Cleveland for Game 4, with both teams eager to gain the upper hand.
“They defended their home court just like we did,” Cavs coach J.B. Bickerstaff said. “Now we have a chance to go home and play two games in Cleveland, making it a best-of-three series.
We have some areas where we can make changes and adjustments, but I trust that our guys will be prepared for Tuesday night.”
Isaac (14 points, seven rebounds, two blocks) and Markelle Fultz (12 points, four rebounds) provided significant contributions off the bench for the Magic. Paolo Banchero, who scored 35 points in Orlando’s Game 3 win, finished with nine points and five assists in his first game scoring in single digits since Nov. 29.
Jarrett Allen led the Cavaliers with 21 points and nine rebounds, while Donovan Mitchell scored all his 18 points in the first half.
“Scoring only ten points in a quarter is unacceptable,” Mitchell said. “We need to improve, and I need to improve. I’m disappointed in myself. You can’t score 18 points in the first half and then none in the second, with only four shots.”
The Magic have won six consecutive games at home but lost their last six on the road.
“We’re not content at all,” Wagner said. “We’ve only won two games. We need two more wins against them, so we need to stay focused and try to win the next one in Cleveland.”
Wagner began the second half by scoring points off a Cleveland mistake, making a layup and a jump shot from the free throw line. He then made a 3-pointer and got a three-point play, leading Orlando to a 17-6 run in five minutes and giving them a 68-67 lead.
“He’s really impressive,” said Wagner’s brother Mo, who scored seven points and grabbed four rebounds. “He understands the game so well and has great control. He started by passing the ball and then found his rhythm.
“I’m going to ride home with him, so I want to keep things in perspective. I don’t want to exaggerate, but that was one of his best performances.”
The Magic ended the quarter with 14 unanswered points, and three consecutive baskets from Franz Wagner extended their lead to 24 points early in the fourth quarter.
The Cavaliers last scored with a 3-pointer from Max Strus with 5:26 left in the third quarter. They didn’t score again until Caris LeVert made a jumper with 10:40 left in the fourth.
“They protected their home court, and now we have to do the same. It’s that simple,” said Mitchell, whose strong end to the first half gave the Cavaliers a 60-51 lead.
The game saw a few minor altercations, including a face-to-face confrontation between Jalen Suggs and Darius Garland, and a flagrant foul on Strus in the fourth quarter for impeding Cole Anthony’s dunk attempt.
