Cavs hold off the Magic 136-131 thanks to 42 points from Donovan Mitchell

CLEVELAND, OHIO - MARCH 24: Donovan Mitchell #45 and James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrate a three-point basket made by Harden during the first half against the Orlando Magic at Rocket Arena on March 24, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images) | Getty Images James Harden and Donovan Mitchell combined for 68 points, Evan Mobley posted a balanced night with 19 points, nine rebounds, and six assists, and the Cleveland Cavaliers downed the visiting Orlando Magic 136-131 to inch one step closer to clinching a spot in the playoffs.

Paolo Banchero paced the Magic with 36 points and Tristan Da Silva added 18 points and six rebounds. The Cavs surrendered 39 points in the first quarter to an Orlando team that can only be regarded as pedestrian on that end of the floor. The Magic are 15th in points per game (115.

4), 20th in field goal percentage (46. 3), and 27th in three-point percentage (34. 4).

At the halfway point, the Magic were on pace for 136 points and were shooting 52% overall and 42% from deep, and they kept that going all the way to the finish. Cleveland’s defense left a lot to be desired, especially on close-outs and simply losing defenders off switches. There is some level of simply allowing open shots, and even a team like the Magic will make a team pay.