Evan Mobley expressed his fatigue, feeling much older than his 22 years as he rose from his seat by the locker. “It was a lengthy game,” Mobley commented.
Standing tall at center in place of the injured Jarrett Allen, Mobley played a crucial role in the Cavaliers’ victory. He blocked Franz Wagner’s layup in the closing moments, helping Cleveland fend off Orlando with a narrow 104-103 win in Game 5. This victory gives the Cavaliers a 3-2 lead in the Eastern Conference series.
After suffering two heavy defeats against Orlando last week, totaling a loss by 61 points, the Cavaliers rallied and showed resilience at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
It was a tough battle, but Donovan Mitchell’s 28 points, along with Darius Garland’s 23, were instrumental in securing the win.
Max Strus and Marcus Morris Sr. also made significant contributions, aiding the Cavaliers in maintaining their home-court advantage against Paolo Banchero and the Magic, despite Banchero’s impressive 39-point performance.
Garland highlighted the importance of defense in this series and was pleased that Mobley’s block played a decisive role in the game.
With less than 16 seconds remaining, Mobley’s defensive play denied Wagner’s layup attempt, preserving the Cavaliers’ lead and sealing the victory. “It felt unreal,” Mobley commented. “It was a significant play, and we came through,” Wagner admitted he made a mistake by challenging Mobley.
“It wasn’t the smartest move, and Evan Mobley made an impressive play,” said Wagner, who scored 14 points after a 34-point performance in Game 4. “Those errors added up and cost us at the end.”
Orlando coach Jamahl Mosley believed Wagner had a chance to score. “I thought he did well getting to the basket, but Mobley made a fantastic play at the rim,” Mosley remarked.
The Cavaliers aimed to move past last year’s disappointing first-round exit against New York, and they can secure advancement with a win in Game 6 in Orlando on Friday.
The Magic are looking to salvage their breakthrough season by forcing a Game 7 in Cleveland on Sunday. Despite their strong home record in the regular season and recent wins at Kia Center, they face a tough challenge.
Following Mobley’s block, Mitchell made two free throws with 3.2 seconds left, extending the Cavaliers’ lead to 104-100. The Magic’s last-second 3-pointer from Banchero wasn’t enough to change the outcome.
Despite only being in his fifth playoff game, the 21-year-old Banchero played with the poise of a seasoned veteran. He scored 16 points in the fourth quarter and finished with 14 of 24 shooting from the field, including 4 of 7 from beyond the arc, and added eight rebounds.
“I was really into the game and wanted to win because I knew how important it was,” Banchero commented. “I just wanted to be aggressive, but I got a bit tired towards the end.”
Cleveland had to play without Allen, who had a bruised rib, but Strus stepped up with 16 points, his best performance in the series. Mobley contributed 14 points and 13 rebounds, while Morris, who hadn’t played much in the previous games, added 12 points, bringing toughness to the team.
Garland praised Morris for his grit and contribution, especially his crucial three-pointer. Mitchell, despite a left knee injury, scored 14 points in the fourth quarter, making most of his shots from the free-throw line.
Led by Banchero, the Magic faced the Cavs and a loud Cleveland crowd, hoping to secure their first playoff road win since 2019. However, Mitchell, Garland, and Mobley led the Cavs to victory, maintaining their perfect home record.
Mitchell emphasized the need to continue performing well on the road, stating that winning at home doesn’t prove anything. He stressed the importance of staying focused and handling business in the upcoming games.
The Cavaliers faced a challenge as Allen, who has been one of their key players in this closely contested series, was sidelined with a bruised rib. His availability for Game 6 is uncertain.
Allen, averaging 17.0 points and 13.8 rebounds, sustained the injury during Game 4 when he was hit with an elbow to the ribs. Although he practiced on Monday, he was later listed on the injury report and ruled out.
In Allen’s absence, coach J.B. Bickerstaff opted for a smaller starting lineup, with Isaac Okoro getting the nod.
Bickerstaff has faced criticism for not making adjustments, but he responded by utilizing his bench more extensively, bringing in guard Sam Merrill, as well as veterans Tristan Thompson and Morris, who has played professionally for 13 years.
Bickerstaff praised Morris for his experience and toughness, highlighting his willingness to take crucial shots. He expressed confidence in Morris’s ability to handle pressure situations, such as the shot he made from the corner.
