While leading 2-0, the Cavaliers have just suffered two big defeats against Orlando. The series is completely restarted and Cleveland can fear the worst if Donovan Mitchell doesn’t wake up very quickly. Start of Game 5 tonight from 2 a.m.
After the first two games in Ohio, few still believed in Orlando’s chances in this series. Totally locked in and unable to score, the Magic seemed to pay for their lack of experience and experience at this level. It must be said that apart from Joe Ingles, Orlando is a very young group. Of the Magic’s five starters, four had never played in a Playoff game before this season.
It is therefore very logical that we saw the Cavaliers take control. Except that Orlando has character and its youngsters did not want to give up. Monstrous in combativeness and commitment, Jamahl Mosley’s young squad reversed the momentum behind two big victories at home. What do the two have in common? An increasing 3-point skill and above all a stifling defense. Over the last two games, Cleveland has not exceeded the 90 point mark!
In a closed series, this would not surprise anyone but the problem for the Cavs is that they were unable to close the doors behind, being easily crushed at the KIA Center.
When everything goes wrong, we look for someone to blame and it makes sense to look towards the local star. After an end to the season disrupted by a few injuries, Donovan Mitchell is struggling to fully enter these 2024 Playoffs. Apart from his Game 1, Spida does not have the offensive impact and efficiency to which he accustomed us in the spring.
The rear’s stats at the moment? 21 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds on average, 42% shooting and 25% from distance. These are quite simply his lowest postseason stats since his sophomore season. Already embarrassed by the Knicks last year, Donovan Mitchell is struggling to shine as much in the Playoffs in Ohio as he did with the Jazz.
With 18 points at 5/14 shooting, he hit rock bottom in the last match, scoring no points in the second half! The full-back had also taken his responsibilities and admitted his current difficulties in a post-match press conference. Comments reported by Sports Illustrated.
“It starts with me. I didn’t score in the second half. I have to do better in the second halves. This is what happened throughout the series. … We have to be better, I have to be better. I am disappointed in myself and I will improve”.
Fault admitted half forgiven, as the saying goes, but the Cavs fanbase is mainly expecting action. A big surge in Game 5 could be a great way to get everyone on the same page.
In the wake of Mitchell, we also expect Darius Garland to do much better. The leader is dominated by Jalen Suggs and we wonder who is supposed to be the All-Star in this matchup. Be careful Cleveland, the pressure is high and a defeat tonight could do major damage before a new match at the KIA Center in Orlando.
Source texte : Sports Illustrated
2024-04-30 14:09:00
#Magic #preview #Game #Donovan #Mitchell #expected #corner
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