Paolo Banchero drops blunt review of first playoff game in Magic’s brutal loss to Cavs

“I thought I played okay. I think I could’ve done a lot of things better, I was loose with the ball but it was my first, I was super anxious, super excited, so a couple of moves I tried to make where I lost it, a couple passes that got stolen. So, that stuff I gotta clean up on, I had 9 of our 12 turnovers, so don’t plan on doing that ever again. But I thought that I did okay, I thought I was aggressive and got to the rim, got fouled, just gotta make free throws so it could’ve been much better…” Banchero shared.

Franz Wagner’s early struggles and late surge in Game 1

Franz Wagner also made his playoff debut, scoring 18 points along with seven rebounds and three blocks. Wagner’s contributions were initially limited, scoring only eight points on 3-of-10 shooting through the first three quarters. However, he significantly increased his impact in the fourth quarter, adding 10 points during a 9-0 Magic run, although it was not enough to overcome the early deficit.

“Yeah, they came out firing. I thought even in that first quarter when they hit their first five threes, some of those were really tough shots, but we got to make sure that for the remainder of the series, we come out with the right mindset, right attitude, and right aggressiveness to start the basketball game. That’s on the first five to start the game off right,” Wagner commented on the team’s early struggles.

Adding to his insights on the playoff atmosphere, Wagner shared his mindset for the upcoming games: “Sure, but I’ve felt prepared before. Obviously, it’s a little bit more hyped up and juiced up and everything, and we noticed that too but I think that’s also what we worked for all year and even before we got to the NBA. So, I think it’s time to just go out there and enjoy it and compete at a high level.”

Magic’s offensive woes lead to Game 1 setback against Cavs

While the Magic’s defense held the Cavaliers to 44.2% shooting and forced 17 turnovers, their offensive struggles were pronounced. Orlando shot just 32.6% from the field and 21.6% from three-point range. The backcourt, comprising Jalen Suggs, Gary Harris, Cole Anthony, and Markelle Fultz, had a particularly dismal performance, combining to shoot four for 33 from the field — a mere 12.1% overall, with Suggs being the only guard to make a field goal.

Coach Jamahl Mosley reflected on the game’s pivotal moments and the team’s overall performance.

“I think our initial start was a big portion of it. They were able to get hot, five for five from three to start the game. I think they had a lot of momentum but our group was poised and we were able to fight back. But when you go 19 for 30 from the free throw line, eight for 30 from three, it’s hard to make up ground in those areas and now they beat us to some fifty/fifty balls. I think that was a big portion of the game as well. But again, we’ll go back and look at the film, find the areas where we can clean some things up and be better,” Mosley said.

Looking ahead, the Magic will analyze their Game 1 performance and prepare adjustments for Game 2. They are set to face the Cavaliers again on Monday night at 7 PM ET at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse, aiming to even the series.