The Cleveland Cavaliers are playing their second straight game against the Orlando Magic. They won their previous game in Orlando 119-105.
Repeating success
Beating the same team twice in a row isn’t easy. There’s added motivation for the other team to get their revenge, and what worked in the first matchup isn’t guaranteed to work the second time. This, combined with a wild winter storm that can throw a curveball into everyone’s pre-game preparation, is something to keep in mind.
The Cavs took it to Orlando in their first matchup. It was an encouraging, feel-good win led by the best game of Donovan Mitchell’s season. Or at least, one of his most impressive performances. The Cavs have taken some great steps forward during this month. Let’s try to avoid stumbling after winning three in a row.
A win tomorrow would match the Cavaliers’ longest streak of the season.
Donovan Mitchell
We might have seen Mitchell’s best game of the season in Orlando. It was definitely one of his more entertaining. The array of floaters and over-the-head swim moves he used was nothing short of incredible.
Mitchell has had to carry a heavy load with Darius Garland on the sidelines. He hasn’t always balanced his responsibilities as a playmaker and scorer. But when he’s at his best, this team is tough to beat. Cleveland’s recent win puts them at 10-1 this season when Mitchell scores 35 or more points.
Taking care of the ball
One of the only things holding this team back from truly taking off in the standings has been their turnovers. Even in their recent success, the team is turning it over at an unsustainable rate.
Cleveland had 17 turnovers in their first meeting with the Magic. This is more than you’d like, but it was actually an improvement from the way they had been carelessly turning it over in the games before. The Cavs are 26th in turnover percentage for the month of January.
That will have to be better for them to continue trending in the right direction.
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