'Huge' Third Quarter Lifts Magic Over Cavaliers

The Orlando Magic outscored the Cleveland Cavaliers 37-10 in the third quarter in Game 4 of the 2024 NBA Playoffs.

Jeremy Brener | Apr 27, 2024

Apr 27, 2024; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic guard Markelle Fultz (20) guards Cleveland / Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

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ORLANDO — The Orlando Magic are heading back to the midwest tied 2-2 after taking care of business in a win against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday at the Kia Center.

The Magic trailed 60-51 at halftime, but a 37-10 run in the third quarter gave Orlando an 18-point lead that they wouldn't relinquish.

“I think that obviously, we understood the gameplan," Markelle Fultz said. "Understanding that we have to continue to shoot shots when we’re open. Continue to be aggressive. I’m pretty sure we already talked about all of the turnovers we had but I think that third quarter, defensively, we really locked in and then it translated into easy baskets for us offensively. Myself, I think the third quarter was huge for us.”

The Magic knew they needed to pick up the pace in order to avoid a 3-1 deficit with the next game on the road, and when their backs were against the wall, they responded in an emphatic way.

With the Magic now tied in the series with the Cavs, they have the momentum going into Game 5 on Tuesday after their third-quarter heroics. And a win on Tuesday will put them in position to clinch right back at home in Game 6. After trailing 2-0, the Magic really can't ask for more than that.

Related stories on the Orlando Magic

GAME 4 RECAP: The Orlando Magic and Cleveland Cavaliers are all tied up after Saturday's Game 4 victory. CLICK HERE

HOW MAGIC TURNED IT AROUND ON OFFENSE: The Orlando Magic's offense rebounded in their 121-83 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday in Game 3 of the first round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs. CLICK HERE

MOE'S ENERGY: Orlando Magic center Moe Wagner was an emotional leader in the team's Game 4 win. CLICK HERE

SHOTS MUST FALL: The Orlando Magic need their offense to produce if they want to beat the Cleveland Cavaliers. CLICK HERE

DEFENSE MAKES HISTORY: The Orlando Magic had a historic second half in their Game 3 win against the Cleveland Cavaliers. CLICK HERE

Published Apr 27, 2024

JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.