It was the most lopsided playoff loss in franchise history. It came after the Cavs won the opening two games in Cleveland, as the best of 7 series is still 2-1 in favor of the Cavs.It was a surprise a young Orlando team would be inspired on its home court? It was a surprise the crowd was loud? It was a surprise …Not for the Cavs, who have far more playoff experience than the Magic. I’m not simply criticizing Bickerstaff.
That is not game over. It’s more like “game on,” as in Orlando was not about to fall behind and stay behind as it did in the first two games in Cleveland.What often happens on the road is something like this: The home team trailing in a series comes out strong. It grabs an early lead as it is fueled by the crowd and a sense of desperation.
That’s also a lesson most of the Cavs should have already known. If they did, they refused to act on it.Joshua Gunter, cleveland.comIn the first two games, Mitchell led the first quarter charge. He did bang his cranky knee early in the game. Perhaps that was behind his generally passive play.and often double-teamed the Cavs star. That should not be a shock. In fact, Orlando should have tried that earlier in the series.Darius Garland shot 2 of 10 for five points.
Mobley needs to get back on the boards. Orlando kept putting bodies on Allen, who had 38 rebounds in the first two games. He needs help.