In a thrilling turn of events, the underdog Cleveland Cavaliers redeemed themselves with a hard-fought 104-103 victory in Game 5 against Orlando, taking the lead in the series 3-2. This win sets them up for a chance to advance to the next round, a feat not achieved without LeBron James in over three decades.
The game began with a blow to the Cavs as center Jarrett Allen was sidelined due to a bruised rib. This forced Coach J.B. Bickerstaff to reshuffle the lineup, with Evan Mobley stepping up to the challenge at the 5 spot and Isaac Okoro joining the starting five. Marcus Morris Sr. also seized the opportunity with a standout performance off the bench.
Unlike previous matchups, this game was a nail-biter, with 14 lead changes and 10 ties in the second half alone. With less than a minute left, the Cavs held a slim lead. The tension mounted as Orlando narrowed the gap, setting the stage for a dramatic final minute. Franz Wagner attempted a game-tying layup, only to be met by Mobley's decisive block, securing the win for Cleveland.
Darius Garland ignited the Cavs early on with a remarkable 17 points in the first quarter, setting the tone for the game. Despite a slight dip in his performance later, Garland finished with an impressive 23 points, five assists, and five rebounds. Donovan Mitchell also came alive in the fourth quarter, scoring 14 crucial points and redeeming himself after a lackluster performance in the previous game.
Mobley was a force to be reckoned with, notching a double-double with 14 points and 13 rebounds, and making two pivotal blocks, including the game-winner. Veterans Max Strus and Marcus Morris Sr. also played pivotal roles, with Strus delivering 16 points, six rebounds, and five assists, and Morris adding 12 points, including two critical fourth-quarter three-pointers.
Orlando's Paolo Banchero led all scorers with 39 points, supported by Wagner's 14 and Jalen Suggs' 13. Despite Orlando's strong performance, the Cavs showed resilience, overcoming their third-quarter struggles and avoiding a collapse in the second half.
Coach Bickerstaff praised his team's execution and resilience, highlighting their ability to adapt and execute under pressure. The Cavs' victory was a testament to their determination and grit, bringing them within reach of their goal: playoff redemption.
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