Franz Wagner Dominates As Magic Tie Series With Cavs

Franz Wagner‘s outstanding performance propelled the Orlando Magic to a commanding 112-89 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers, evening the Eastern Conference first-round NBA playoff series at 2-2.

Wagner scored 34 points and grabbed 13 rebounds, outscoring Cleveland by himself in the pivotal third quarter where Orlando turned a competitive game into a rout.

The Cavaliers, after leading with 60 points at halftime, were held to just 10 points in the third quarter and scored only 29 in the second half.

“Once we came back from that nine-point deficit starting the third, and they took that timeout, I felt like OK, the momentum is swinging in our direction,” Jonathan Isaac said

Magic coach Jamahl Mosley, asked about the dominant defensive quarter, responded, “I’d have to look that one up,” highlighting the exceptional performance. The Magic’s defense was relentless, holding the Cavaliers scoreless for nearly seven minutes in the second half.

Donovan Mitchell, who scored 18 points for the Cavaliers, all in the first half, expressed disappointment in the team’s performance. “Ten points (in a quarter) is outrageous,” Mitchell said. “We have to be better. I have to be better. I’m disappointed in myself, so it’s on me.”

As the series shifts back to Cleveland for Game 4, both teams recognize the stakes. Cavs coach J.B. Bickerstaff noted, “They held home court just like we did. Now we get an opportunity to go home and play a best-of-three series with two games in Cleveland.”

Wagner’s scoring spree included a layup, a jump shot, a three-pointer, and a three-point play during a critical 17-6 run that gave Orlando the lead. His brother, Mo Wagner, praised his performance, saying, “Obviously he’s incredible. His awareness, his control of the game is just great.”

The Magic hope to carry their home success into Cleveland, as Franz Wagner emphasized the need to stay focused: “We’re not satisfied at all. We just got two wins. We need two more against them so we’ve got to stay locked in and try to get the next one in Cleveland.”

The game also saw its share of intensity, with minor skirmishes and a flagrant foul adding to the playoff atmosphere.

As the series continues, both teams are determined to leverage their home-court advantage in what has become a highly competitive matchup.