Paolo Banchero scored 27 points in total, with 10 of them coming in the last quarter. This helped the Orlando Magic beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 103-96 on Friday night, forcing a final Game 7 in their first-round NBA playoff series.
After a close loss in the previous game, Banchero, aged 21, took charge and led his team to victory. Franz Wagner contributed 26 points, and Jalen Suggs made six 3-pointers, finishing with 22 points. In the end, Banchero’s crucial 3-pointer secured the win for Orlando.
Despite Donovan Mitchell’s outstanding performance with 50 points for Cleveland, they couldn’t catch up. Darius Garland added 21 points, but the Cavs struggled with poor 3-point shooting.
The series will be decided in Game 7 on Sunday in Cleveland. The Cavs have a strong record at home, winning Games 1, 2, and 5, but they have struggled on the road, losing seven consecutive playoff games away from home.
The Cavs have not won a playoff series since then. The Magic, who haven’t been in the playoffs since 2020, are aiming for their first series victory in 14 years.