The Magic have now lost three straight.
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!Jan 24, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic guard Desmond Bane drives to the basket against Cleveland Cavaliers forward Dean Wade 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 over that span. The Cavaliers, led by Donovan Mitchell , 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.Jan 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell 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.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. 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.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.Matt Hanifan: Born and raised in Nevada, Matt has covered the Miami Heat, NBA and men’s college basketball for various platforms since 2019. More of his work can be found at Hot Hot Hoops, Vendetta Sports Media and Mountain West Connection. He studied journalism at the University of Nevada, Reno, where he previously served as a sports staff writer for The Nevada Sagebrush. Twitter: @Mph_824_
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Trade deadline buzz: Cavs could be looking to make a move around the marginsCleveland is exploring small, rotation-level moves ahead of the deadline as salary flexibility shapes the market.
Read more »
If the Cavs look to the G League for help, is the answer really that simple?Strong play from Killian Hayes and familiarity with Darius Brown II force Cleveland to weigh development, fit and deadline flexibility.
Read more »
Fans call for trades, but Cavs’ front office may stand pat with current rosterDespite underperformance and mounting pressure, Cleveland's front office signals confidence in their core group, potentially passing on trade deadline moves that could disrupt their championship vision.
Read more »
Cavs hold on against Kings behind Evan Mobley’s complete performance, 123-118It didn’t have to be pretty from start to finish for the Cavs because the energy, effort and intensity were there throughout. Then the talent took over when they needed it most to hold off the Kings on Friday night.
Read more »
Surging Cavs continue vaulting up the standings with 119-105 win over MagicCleveland has won five of its last six games — a recent surge that has vaulted them up the Eastern Conference standings.
Read more »
Donovan Mitchell scores 36 points in Cavaliers’ 119-105 win over MagicDonovan Mitchell scored 27 of his 36 points in the second half and the Cleveland Cavaliers pulled away to a 119-105 win over the Orlando Magic on Saturday night.
Read more »