NBA: Cavaliers' Donovan Mitchell out to torment Magic in rematch

Cleveland Cavaliers shooting guard Donovan Mitchell finished sixth in voting for the Eastern Conference All-Star starters, just one spot away from being selected.

His push to make the All-Star Game as a reserve continues Monday, when the Cavaliers host the Orlando Magic in the second half of a home-and-home series.

Mitchell led Cleveland with 36 points on Saturday, scoring 27 of those in the second half as the Cavaliers defeated Orlando 119-105. He played 38 minutes and made 15 of 30 shots, four more minutes than his season average.

“Good decision by the coach,” Cleveland coach Kenny Atkinson said with a smile. “I felt like the game was in the balance, so Donovan, we just had to ride him. I usually get him out there in the fourth quarter, but didn’t think we had that option.

“He was great at both ends. He didn’t conserve himself on defense, and obviously the shot-making was insane.”

Mitchell ranked sixth in the combined fan, coach and media voting. However, he leads the NBA in second-half scoring, averaging 17.1 points, and also leads the Eastern Conference with 162 three-pointers.

The six-time All-Star has helped Cleveland win three straight games. The Cavaliers are 10-4 since Dec. 29 and currently sit fifth in the Eastern Conference, 2½ games ahead of the Magic for the final playoff spot.

“We just continue to find ways,” Mitchell said. “These are the moments you enjoy. We’ll see these guys again Monday, so we’ve got to be ready.”

Cleveland has also improved on the boards, outrebounding opponents in six straight games. They held a 38-37 rebounding edge against Orlando, led by Lonzo Ball with eight rebounds and Evan Mobley with seven.

However, the Cavaliers still struggle to build consistency at home. They are 7-8 in their last 15 games at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse and 15-11 overall at home this season.

“Obviously, we’ve had some injuries, but I love how our young guys continue to impress,” Atkinson said, highlighting second-year swingman Jaylon Tyson. “We’re doing it by committee and celebrating our depth. It feels like a collective effort.”

The Magic have played only twice in the last week, both losses at home to the Hornets and Cavaliers, after returning from a European trip. Orlando beat the Memphis Grizzlies in Berlin but lost to them in London.

Paolo Banchero scored 27 points and made 10 of 12 free throws against Cleveland, but Orlando looked tired in their third straight double-digit loss.

The Cavaliers did not trail after the first quarter, with Moritz Wagner being the only Magic bench player to score more than once. Jalen Suggs added nine points and six assists in his first game since suffering a knee injury on Jan. 2.

“It’s hard to slow down Donovan Mitchell because he’s seen it all,” Orlando coach Jamahl Mosley said. “We know him very well and his ability to score at a high clip. Guarding him with multiple bodies is very important.”

Suggs is expected to play in Monday’s rematch, but Orlando will be without small forward Franz Wagner for the third straight game due to a recurring ankle issue. He missed six weeks earlier with a high ankle sprain and is not yet cleared for contact.

Mosley said the team will focus on Wagner’s long-term health rather than questioning his return during the European trip.

“When he thought he could go, he went,” Mosley said. “Now, we’ve got to be smart moving forward with him.”

—Field Level Media/Reuters