The Cleveland Cavaliers rode another explosive performance from Donovan Mitchell to extend their winning streak to four games Tuesday night, holding off a late Orlando rally for a 136–131 victory over the Magic in a high-scoring Eastern Conference matchup.
Mitchell poured in 42 points, marking his sixth 40-point game of the season—tied for the fourth-most in the NBA—and continued his strong track record against Orlando. It was his third 40-point outing in 23 regular-season meetings with the Magic, and he now averages 27.2 points per game against the franchise, the sixth-highest scoring average by any player in league history versus Orlando.
James Harden added 26 points and delivered a strong first-half spark for Cleveland. After being held scoreless in the opening half of Saturday’s game in New Orleans, Harden bounced back with 22 first-half points Tuesday, including three 3-pointers, helping the Cavaliers take a 72–68 lead into halftime. It was his highest-scoring first half since joining Cleveland.
Evan Mobley was nearly flawless offensively, finishing with 19 points on a perfect 8-for-8 shooting night while contributing nine rebounds and six assists in an efficient all-around effort.
Orlando was paced by Paolo Banchero, who scored 36 points but cooled after a dominant start. Banchero erupted for 16 points in the first quarter as the Magic jumped ahead 39–32 after the opening 12 minutes, shooting 5-for-7 in the period. He went 5-for-12 the rest of the way as Cleveland gradually seized control.
Tristan da Silva added 18 points for Orlando, while Desmond Bane and Jamal Cain each chipped in 17. Despite the offensive production, the Magic dropped their sixth straight game and slipped into a three-way tie with Charlotte and Miami for eighth place in the Eastern Conference standings.
Cleveland built a 114–103 lead with 9:19 remaining in the fourth quarter, but Orlando responded with a steady comeback push. Wendell Carter Jr. trimmed the deficit to three with two free throws with 37.5 seconds left, before Mitchell delivered the decisive moment—driving the lane and knocking down a floating 7-foot jumper with 13.7 seconds remaining to secure breathing room and seal the win.
With the victory, the Cavaliers improved to 45–27 and remain within striking distance of the third seed in the East, sitting just 2½ games behind the New York Knicks.
Orlando returns home to host Sacramento on Thursday, while Cleveland continues its homestand Wednesday against Miami in another key conference matchup.
