The Magic Insider

Magic Make Statement in Blowout Game 3 Win vs. Cavaliers

The Orlando Magic are on the board, beating the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 3 of the 2024 NBA Playoffs to cut the series to a 2-1 deficit.
Apr 25, 2024; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic forward Jonathan Isaac (1) dunks during the
Apr 25, 2024; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic forward Jonathan Isaac (1) dunks during the | Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports

ORLANDO — The Orlando Magic are playing the song for the first time in the postseason after a 121-83 win against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 3 of the 2024 NBA Playoffs. With the win, the Magic cut the series to 2-1.

While the Magic struggled to score early, missing every shot for the first three minutes of the game, they began to take control late in the first quarter with a 28-11 run. From there, the Magic cruised to victory.

The Magic lead continued to grow to as much as 43 points in what looked like four quarters of getting their frustration out from the previous two games.

Paolo Banchero led the way with 31 points and 14 rebounds for his first playoff double-double. Jalen Suggs also played his best basketball, scoring 24 points on 9 of 11 shooting. For the Cavs, Jarrett Allen led the scoring with just 15 points.

The Magic have a win under their belt, and that's certainly a step in the right direction, but they have to keep the foot on the gas for Saturday's Game 4, where a loss could be the final game the team plays at the Kia Center this season.

Tipoff for Game 4 on Saturday is set for 1 p.m. ET.

Related stories on the Orlando Magic

  • HOW TO WATCH: The Orlando Magic host the Cleveland Cavaliers for Game 3 of the 2024 NBA Playoffs. Here's everything you need to know. CLICK HERE
  • STARTING 5 CHANGES: The Orlando Magic made a change to the starting lineup, inserting Wendell Carter Jr. in for Jonathan Isaac. CLICK HERE
  • BIG CHANGES COMING: Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner outlined some changes the team will make ahead of Game 3. CLICK HERE
  • MAGIC NEED FANS: The Orlando Magic are excited to play playoff basketball in front of their home fans. CLICK HERE
  • BETTING ODDS: Despite losing the first two games of the series, the Orlando Magic are favored against the Cleveland Cavaliers. CLICK HERE

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Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several On SI sites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid and resides in Central Florida. He graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener.

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