Jalen Suggs averaged 11 points in Orlando’s first two playoff games. On Thursday, he had 11 by halftime.
SUGGS HAMMER
— NBA (@NBA) April 26, 2024
Magic rolling in the 1st half on NBA TV pic.twitter.com/f5avfJWnMt
Orlando made a lineup change before Game 3 of its first-round series with the Cleveland Cavaliers, moving Wendell Carter Jr. into the starting lineup for the more defense-oriented Jonathan Isaac. The move paid off as Orlando put up 61 points in the first half.
The biggest difference was getting some offense out of the backcourt, which had been very quiet in Cleveland. That production mainly came from Suggs, who put up 24 points in the first three quarters.
It’s especially impressive after he suffered a painful knee injury in Game 2.
Jalen Suggs went down with an apparent knee injury after a collision with Donovan Mitchell on this play.
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) April 22, 2024
Prayers up for Jalen pic.twitter.com/lDOA7Jj5Cm
While Paolo Banchero led the way, he got some help from teammates, including backup guard Cole Anthony.
Cole Anthony caps a 13-0 Magic run to end the 1st and take a 10-point lead!
— NBA (@NBA) April 25, 2024
CLE-ORL on NBA TV pic.twitter.com/ve7VRyWVVb
The Magic have continued to play tough defense, holding Cleveland to under 100 points in their first two losses. Now that Orlando’s shots are finally falling, the Cavs could soon find themselves in a tough series.
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