Donovan Mitchell's dominant second half fuels Cavs past Magic, and more takeaways

The Magic have now lost three straight.

Jan 24, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic guard Anthony Black (0) brings the ball up court during the first quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images | Mike Watters-Imagn Images

On the second night of a back-to-back, the Cleveland Cavaliers pulled away from the Orlando Magic late, securing a 119-105 win inside Kia Center. What were a few of our takeaways?! Let's examine!

In a make-or-miss league, there was a lot of Magic missing:

Jan 24, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic guard Desmond Bane (3) drives to the basket against Cleveland Cavaliers forward Dean Wade (32) during the first quarter at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images | Mike Watters-Imagn Images

While Jalen Suggs' return did inject some life into the Magic through the first two-and-a-half quarters, they simply couldn't make enough shots. Wide open ones, too. Overall, they shot just 40.7 percent from the floor and 27.5 percent from 3-point range.

However, those numbers through three quarters were 35.5 and 20.0 percent, respectively. Paolo Banchero led the way with 27 points, though 15 of those points came in the final quarter when the game was essentially out reach.

Desmond Bane was the Magic's most efficient player through three quarters, scoring 16 points on 6-of-10 shooting. But only one other player had more than three made shots (Anthony Black -- 4) over that span.

The Cavaliers, led by Donovan Mitchell (more on him momentarily), boasted the league's 10th-best offense with the 14th-best defense entering the night. Even with a 35-point fourth quarter, you're not going to climb back against a high-octane offense, with one of the league's best fourth-quarter players, if you're barely shooting 35 percent.

Donovan Mitchell rallies Cavaliers in second half:

Jan 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) reacts after a play against the Sacramento Kings during the second half at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images | Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Speaking of Mitchell: There aren't very many players who have been better than him this season. The 6-foot-2 guard is the sole reason why the Cavaliers are 26-20 and not substantially worse.

He proved why that was the case inside Kia Center.

Mitchell walled off any chance of a Magic comeback in the second half. He scored 27 of his 36 points over that span, including 17 in the fourth quarter alone on 6-of-9 shooting.

He capped it off with a ridiculous euro-step around Banchero with roughly three minutes to go, giving Cleveland a 109-96 lead, sealing the deal.

This move by Donovan Mitchell continues to feed families 😲 pic.twitter.com/TyIZadx744

— NBA Philippines (@NBA_Philippines) January 25, 2026

Trending in the wrong direction:

Nov 16, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Orlando Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley reacts during the first half against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

The Magic have now lost three-straight by at least 14 points for the first time since 2022-23. It's the fourth time it's happened since 2017-18 and the ninth time since the turn of the century.

In translation, it doesn't happen very often.

Not to mention, each of their last two losses came to teams playing the second night of a back-to-back. When is enough, enough?

While they're still in the thick for a top-6 seed, Orlando is trending in the wrong direction as the All-Star break approaches. Once again, they are in need of a major shake up.

But will it come?