Donovan Mitchell delivered one of the most electric performances of his season Monday night, pouring in 45 points to lead the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 114-98 win over the Orlando Magic and extend their winning streak to four games.
Mitchell was sensational from the opening tip, finishing 15-of-25 from the field and knocking down five 3-pointers in just 35 minutes. He scored a season-high 26 points in the first half, setting the tone early for a Cavaliers team that leaned heavily on its star guard when it mattered most. Already the NBA’s leading scorer in the second half entering the night, Mitchell showed he could dominate from start to finish.
The outburst marked Mitchell’s 25th 30-point game of the season — fourth-most in the league — and his fifth performance of at least 40 points. It also came on the heels of a 36-point showing in Cleveland’s 119-105 win at Orlando on Saturday, giving Mitchell 81 points across the two-game set against the Magic.
Evan Mobley added a strong all-around effort with 20 points and nine rebounds as the Cavaliers continued to find their rhythm. The win matched Cleveland’s longest streak of the season and pushed the Cavs to a season-best eight games over .500 at 28-20. Since Dec. 29, Cleveland has gone an impressive 11-4, quietly establishing itself as one of the East’s hottest teams.
Orlando came out firing, jumping to a 38-27 lead early in the second quarter after a Moritz Wagner 3-pointer. But Cleveland gradually chipped away, trailing just 52-49 before closing the half on a 12-4 run to take a 61-56 lead into the break.
From there, Mitchell took over. Each time Orlando threatened to close the gap, Cleveland’s offense answered. The Cavaliers sealed the game with an 8-2 run down the stretch, pushing the margin to its largest of the night.
Paolo Banchero led the Magic with a season-high 37 points and 10 rebounds, but Orlando dropped its third straight game despite the fourth-year forward’s standout performance.
The Magic travel to Miami to face the Heat on Wednesday, while the Cavaliers return home to host the Los Angeles Lakers the same night.
