Jalen Suggs had a remarkable return for Orlando in Game 2. Now, the Magic must stage their comeback to keep their season alive.
Suggs shrugged off what seemed like a serious knee injury and played most of the second half as the Magic lost 96-86 to the Cleveland Cavaliers, falling behind 0-2 in their Eastern Conference playoff series.
Initially unable to bear weight on his leg, Suggs was carried off the court in pain and tears during the first quarter. However, he returned after halftime with a sleeve on his leg and energized the Magic before the Cavs sealed the win.
After the game, Suggs, who recorded nine points, six rebounds, and five assists in 29 minutes, expressed his readiness to play in Game 3 at Orlando on Thursday.
“I’m alright,” he said. “I managed to finish the game. I’ll be able to get treatment at home for a couple of days. We have a game on Thursday at 7 p.m., and I’ll be prepared.”
It seemed improbable for Suggs to return to the series, let alone the game when he went down with 4:02 left in the first quarter.
While defending Donovan Mitchell, Suggs collapsed after contact with Cleveland’s All-Star guard, who was fouled during the play. Suggs immediately grabbed his leg as his teammates gathered around him.
As he was helped off the court, the other Magic players appeared shocked to see their top defensive guard — and former football player — in pain.
“It deflates your team when our primary defensive leader goes down,” Magic coach Jamahl Mosley said. “He was in significant pain upon his return, so we’ll assess him when we return home.”
Suggs, the fifth pick in 2021 after excelling at Gonzaga, played a crucial role in Orlando’s 13-0 fourth-quarter run that narrowed the gap to 87-78. However, Mitchell scored two quick baskets, and Cleveland held on.
