Donovan Mitchell and the Cleveland Cavaliers were tested to the maximum in the first round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs. They needed the full journey of a series in order to get rid of Paolo Banchero and the Orlando Magic, which fought their way back from a 2-0 series deficit all the way into forcing a Game 7 showdown versus the Cavs.
Although the series did not end the way the Magic wanted it to, they certainly sent a strong message to the rest of the league. Banchero, in particular, has more people believing in Orlando. Take it from Mitchell himself, as the Cavs star issued some sort of a warning for the NBA about Banchero.
“Paolo Banchero is going to be a monster, ” Mitchell said after the Cavaliers’ 106-94 win in Game 7 at home over the Magic on Sunday (h/t Orlando Magic director of digital news Dan Savage).
The Cleveland Cavaliers Mounted Successful Game 7 Comeback to Clinch Second Round Berth
The Cavs trailed Banchero and the Magic by as many as 18 points in the first half but gathered enough strength to cut down the deficit and eventually take over the game in the second half. As usual, Mitchell took charge, as he led Cleveland with 39 points with nine rebounds and five assists.
The Magic, on the other hand, were paced by Banchero, who scattered 38 points on 10/28 shooting from the field and 15/18 from the free throw line. Overall in the series, Banchero averaged 27.0 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 4.0 assists while shooting 45.6 percent the field and 40.0 percent from behind the arc.
More must-reads: