Introduction to Orlando Magic vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
The Orlando Magic vs Cleveland Cavaliers matchups during the 2024–25 NBA season gave basketball fans everything they hoped for—close games, rising stars, and high-stakes playoff drama. These two Eastern Conference rivals delivered gritty performances in both the regular season and postseason, giving us a storyline worth revisiting.
This article provides a complete season analysis without diving into stats tables, focusing on performances, turning points, and what lies ahead for both teams.
Head-to-Head Matchups
During the 2024–25 regular season, the Orlando Magic and Cleveland Cavaliers faced each other four times, with each team securing two victories.
| Date | Winner | Score | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| December 6, 2023 | Cleveland Cavaliers | 121–111 | Cleveland |
| December 11, 2023 | Orlando Magic | 104–94 | Orlando |
| January 22, 2024 | Cleveland Cavaliers | 126–99 | Orlando |
| February 22, 2024 | Orlando Magic | 116–109 | Cleveland |
In the Eastern Conference First Round of the playoffs, the Cavaliers edged out the Magic in a seven-game series, winning 4–3. Land of Basketball
Team Statistics Comparison
Regular Season Averages
| Statistic | Cavaliers | Magic |
|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game | 112.6 | 110.5 |
| Rebounds Per Game | 43.3 | 42.3 |
| Assists Per Game | 28.0 | 24.7 |
| Steals Per Game | 7.4 | 8.2 |
| Blocks Per Game | 4.6 | 5.2 |
| Field Goal Percentage | 47.9% | 47.6% |
| 3-Point Percentage | 36.7% | 35.2% |
| Free Throw Percentage | 76.5% | 75.9% |
Advanced Metrics
| Metric | Cavaliers | Magic |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive Rating | 122.5 (1st) | 107.7 (29th) |
| Defensive Rating | 111.8 (8th) | 109.2 (2nd) |
| Net Rating | +10.7 (2nd) | -1.5 (19th) |
Key Player Performances
Cleveland Cavaliers
Donovan Mitchell stood out once again, commanding the offense and delivering game-changing performances throughout the year. His leadership on the court was matched by teammates like Darius Garland, whose vision and ball-handling made Cleveland a threat from multiple angles. Defensively, Jarrett Allen continued to dominate in the paint, giving the Cavaliers an edge on the boards.
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Donovan Mitchell averaged 26.6 points per game during the regular season and elevated his performance in the playoffs with 29.6 points per game. Land of Basketball+1Reuters+1
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Jarrett Allen contributed 10.5 rebounds per game in the regular season and increased to 13.8 rebounds per game in the playoffs. Land of Basketball
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Darius Garland: Led the team with 6.5 assists per game during the regular season and maintained 5.8 assists per game in the playoffs.
Orlando Magic
The Magic’s breakout star, Paolo Banchero, proved he’s not just the future—he’s the present. His ability to drive the lane, hit key shots, and handle defensive pressure was crucial to Orlando’s success. Franz Wagner complemented Banchero with two-way play, stepping up in critical moments. This duo gave Magic fans hope that their team is ready for a long postseason run in the near future.
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Paolo Banchero: Led the team with 22.6 points per game in the regular season and improved to 27.0 points per game in the playoffs.
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Wendell Carter Jr.: Averaged 6.9 rebounds per game during the regular season.
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Franz Wagner: Provided 4.4 assists per game in the playoffs, showcasing his playmaking abilities.
Coaching & Tactics
From a tactical standpoint, the Cavaliers relied on a balanced offensive system with heavy reliance on isolation plays and perimeter shooting. Their spacing and ball movement often opened up lanes for Mitchell and Garland to operate.
Orlando, by contrast, thrived on defense-first intensity. They pressured ball handlers, clogged passing lanes, and turned defense into fast-break offense. While still young, the Magic showed remarkable discipline in their defensive schemes—an area where most rebuilding teams struggle.
Playoff Drama: 7 Games of Intensity
When the Cavaliers and Magic met in the first round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs, the stage was set for an unforgettable series. The back-and-forth nature of the games captured the attention of fans and analysts alike. Orlando pushed the more experienced Cavaliers to seven full games, with each team exchanging wins and adjusting their strategies.
Although Cleveland ultimately advanced with a 4–3 series win, Orlando’s performance earned them league-wide respect. The Magic didn’t back down—they battled through adversity and nearly pulled off the upset.
Notable Game Highlights
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February 26, 2025: The Cavaliers dominated the Magic with a 122–82 victory. Ty Jerome led with 20 points off the bench, while Evan Mobley, Max Strus, and De’Andre Hunter each contributed 17 points. Reuters
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March 16, 2025: The Magic ended the Cavaliers’ 16-game winning streak with a 108–103 win. Paolo Banchero led with 24 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists, while Franz Wagner added 22 points. Diario AS+2Reuters+2Reuters+2
Fan Reactions & Momentum Shift
Fan excitement was at an all-time high. Cavaliers fans were thrilled to see their team withstand the challenge and move forward. Meanwhile, Magic fans took pride in how far their team had come and left the series hopeful for a brighter future.
The emotional rollercoaster of the seven-game series created a new chapter in this rivalry, one that promises even greater competition in seasons to come.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
Looking ahead:
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Cleveland Cavaliers aim to go deeper into the playoffs. With their core intact and new additions likely in the offseason, they remain a top-tier Eastern Conference contender.
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Orlando Magic are building something special. With young stars gaining experience and a playoff run under their belt, they’re no longer just a rebuilding team—they’re emerging as real challengers.
This isn’t just a one-season story. The Magic vs Cavaliers rivalry is shaping up to be one of the NBA’s most exciting matchups moving forward.
Final Thoughts
The 2024–25 season saw Orlando Magic and Cleveland Cavaliers bring their A-game in every encounter. Whether it was a high-octane regular season clash or a playoff war of attrition, these two teams reminded us why NBA rivalries matter.
As both franchises continue to evolve, fans can expect more intensity, more drama, and more unforgettable moments the next time these two square off.
Upcoming Matchups
As of now, there are no scheduled games between the Orlando Magic and Cleveland Cavaliers.
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