The Orlando Magic, with a record of 47-35, faced off against the Cleveland Cavaliers, standing at 48-34, in what was expected to be a closely contested battle. However, the final scoreline read 97-83 in favor of the home team.

CLEVELAND, OH - APRIL 20: Franz Wagner #22 of the Orlando Magic handles the ball during Round One Game One of the 2024 NBA Playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers on April 20, 2024 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Lauren Leigh Bacho/NBAE via Getty Images)

The game started with promise for the Magic as they took an early lead in the first quarter with a score of 26 points compared to the Cavaliers' 33. Despite this strong start, Orlando struggled to maintain their momentum into the second quarter where they only managed to add another 15 points while Cleveland extended their lead by scoring an additional 20 points.

Throughout the contest, Orlando's defense put up a valiant effort with seven blocks and twelve steals. The team also showed resilience on rebounds grabbing a total of fifty-three including eleven offensive boards which contributed to thirteen second-chance points. The Magic's fast-break opportunities were capitalized efficiently as well; they scored eighteen fast-break points from eight attempts which is notable considering their overall field goal percentage was just thirty-three percent.

CLEVELAND, OH - APRIL 20: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers brings the ball up court during Round 1 Game 1 of the 2024 NBA Playoffs against the Orlando Magic on April 20, 2024 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images)

Offensively however, Orlando faced challenges as their shooting percentages reflected struggles across all fronts. They shot forty-one percent from two-point range and an even more concerning twenty-two percent from beyond the arc. Free throw accuracy was also below par for professional standards at sixty-three percent.

One bright spot for Orlando was their ability to draw fouls and get to the line where they had thirty attempts compared to twenty-one by Cleveland. This aggression however did not translate into maintaining possession as both teams ended up turning over the ball twelve times for Orlando and eighteen times for Cleveland.

CLEVELAND, OH - APRIL 20: Paolo Banchero #5 of the Orlando Magic looks on during Round 1 Game 1 of the 2024 NBA Playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers on April 20, 2024 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images)

Despite these efforts by Orlando Magic players on both ends of the court, it wasn't enough against a solid Cavaliers team that led for most of the game and built up a commanding biggest lead of twenty points at one stage. The home side showcased impressive shooting efficiency with fifty-five percent from two-point range and forty-four percent overall field goal percentage while also outrebounding Orlando with sixty-five total rebounds including forty-four defensive ones.

As fans look ahead after this tough loss on enemy territory, they can mark their calendars for when Orlando Magic will take on Cleveland Cavaliers once again at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland on April 22nd at 7:00 PM Eastern Time. This upcoming matchup will be broadcasted live on NBA TV providing fans another opportunity to support their team during this crucial part of the season.

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