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.

Jeremy Brener | Apr 25, 2024

Apr 25, 2024; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic forward Jonathan Isaac (1) dunks during the / Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports

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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

Published Apr 25, 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.