26-33 to start the first round. Then 18-30 in the second game in Cleveland. Twice in Ohio, the Magic took the lead in the first quarter. The second best defense on the East Coast (at defensive rating) had suffered from the start, forced to make additional efforts to come back to the score. As the attack had generally failed with only 83 then 86 points scored, it ended in two defeats despite 97 and 96 points conceded.
This is why Jamahl Mosley's team intends to better start Game 5 scheduled for this evening, and thus avoid chasing, in vain, after the score.
“ This is thanks to their ability to accelerate in transition, whether on loose balls or missed shots » Mosley analysis about his failed starts. “ They were able to score easily and quickly. This got their audience into the game. That put them in the game. They are looking to start the matches as quickly as possible. So we have to focus on our ability to get into the game straight away, even without our home crowd to generate that energy. »
Orlando has never led in the score in Cleveland!
In Florida, the Magic had straightened out the situation, conceding only 21 and 23 points in the first quarter, regaining the advantage in the score for the first time in the series in the first 12 minutes. “ It's a bit like the roles are reversing » Jarrett Allen reacted after Game 3. « When we were at home, we started the match with a lot of energy, toughness, and they did the same to us. We were unable to respond immediately. »
Back this Tuesday at Rocket Morgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, the Magic will have to prove that they have learned from their mistakes in a pivotal Game 5. “ We are coming off two wins, so obviously we feel good » explains Paolo Banchero. “ But we know that we didn't win in Cleveland during the first two games. So we're going to have to really play together, as a group, and do what we can to win the next game. » A success, and Orlando would leave home with a match point in sight on Friday evening.
