Instant Reaction: Cleveland Cavaliers 101, Orlando Magic 93
By Zak Kolesar
Feb 19, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Orlando Magic point guard Jameer Nelson (14) dribbles against Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Kyrie Irving (2) in the first quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Final Outcome
The Cavaliers were able to continue their winning ways on Wednesday night against the Orlando Magic by keeping a season sweep of the Magic alive with a 101-93 victory at Quicken Loans Arena. With the victory, Cleveland has now won six straight games, the longest streak for the franchise since March of 2010. Even though the Wine & Gold were up by 20-plus points at one point in the contest, a slow pace allowed Orlando to creep back into the game. However, like they have been able to do as of late, the Cavs were able to close out the Magic at home and continue their quest toward the playoffs.
Key Play to the Game
With the Cavs slowly blowing a 20-plus-point lead to the Orlando Magic, someone had to step up. And who else than the man who was receiving “MVP” chants all throughout the night after an impressive start to the game. Kyrie Irving hit two clutch free throws, putting his team up five points on the Magic. After a stalwart defensive stand, Irving was able to find Luol Deng open on the perimeter for a three-pointer, putting Cleveland up eight points with just over 30 seconds remaining in the game. Although Cleveland started off the second half slow, they held their ground and continued the winning streak with an impressive stand in the final minutes. Although it was ugly at times, Cleveland somehow got the job done in the end.
Wine & Gold MVP
Although Kyrie Irving started off the game with 10 first quarter points, he only ended up with 22 on the night. However, his keen eye and unselfish play helped the Cavaliers down the stretch and even garnered some “MVP” chants from those at the Q on Wednesday night. It seems as if Kyrie is starting to become more comfortable with his teammates, and when a superstar is able to do that, great things happen; as we’ve seen as of late. If Kyrie can continue to get a better feel for his team and consistently play with guys who will be on the roster for the foreseeable future, then Cleveland’s winning ways will continue.
Top Tweets
That's the MVP Irving there.
— WayneEmbrysKids Official (@WayneEmbrysKids) February 20, 2014
Tyler Zeller playing to his strengths, running the floor awesomely for a big man, just like Draft Express said he would back in the day.
— WayneEmbrysKids Official (@WayneEmbrysKids) February 20, 2014
Cavs moving the ball, running the floor and playing solid defense. You can tell they are feeling just a bit better about themselves.
— realcavsfans.com (@realcavsfans) February 20, 2014
BUDDY BALL!
— Alexandre RAFFALLI (@AlexRaffalli) February 20, 2014
C.J. Miles down under #Cavs basket after foul by Kyle O'Quinn. Grabbed his left lower leg or ankle. Limping toward bench. Cavs lead, 77-72
— clevelanddotcom Cavs (@PDcavsinsider) February 20, 2014
Up Next
Cleveland will put its winning streak on the line against the Toronto Raptors on Friday night at Air Canada Centre. This is the first of three contests that the Cavaliers will face the Raptors from now until the end of the season. Last year, some exciting games were played between Cleveland and Toronto. If things continue to trend up for the Wine & Gold, we’ll see the same results we’ve been seeing as of late. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m.