Cavs assert contender status after surviving Magic

Cavaliers narrowly escape first round, facing Celtics in Eastern Conference semifinals. Mitchell leads team to historic Game 7 comeback.

The highly anticipated Eastern Conference semifinal matchup between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Boston Celtics is set to kick off on Tuesday, a mere 51 1/2 hours after the Cavs narrowly escaped a grueling first-round series against the Orlando Magic. The pressure was immense heading into Game 7 on Sunday, with the potential consequences of a second consecutive first-round playoff exit looming large. Donovan Mitchell's stellar performance, scoring 39 points and allowing his teammates to step up, led the Cavaliers to a remarkable comeback victory, erasing an 18-point deficit to secure a 106-94 win.

"In a Game 7, it isn't anything new. It's all about how badly you want it," Mitchell remarked postgame. The series against the Magic was fraught with poor shooting, lackluster individual efforts, and questionable lineup decisions on both sides. Despite shooting just 28 percent from beyond the arc for the series, the Cavs managed to advance to the second round. They were outrebounded, had fewer free throw attempts, committed more turnovers, and were outscored by a significant margin over the seven games.

The nail-biting series culminated in a gritty showdown, with both teams fighting tooth and nail for survival. While the Cavs showcased a collective desire to win, the Magic struggled to match their intensity in crunch time. Notable contributions from the bench, including Caris Levert's 15 points and Sam Merrill's crucial 3-pointers, played a pivotal role in the Cavs' comeback victory.

Mitchell's scoring prowess and willingness to share the ball were instrumental in the Cavs' success, as he allowed other players like Garland and Mobley to shine in key moments. Despite facing adversity, Mobley bounced back from a lackluster performance in Game 6 to deliver a stellar showing in Game 7, tallying 11 points, 16 rebounds, and five blocks.

As the Cavaliers gear up to face a formidable Celtics team in the next round, Mitchell emphasized the team's identity as contenders. The pressure of expectations has eased, allowing the Cavs to play with a sense of freedom and confidence. Their success hinges on improved spacing, increased three-point shooting, and consistent contributions from the bench.

While the odds may be stacked against them, Mitchell's unwavering belief in the team's abilities serves as a rallying cry for the Cavaliers. As they prepare to take on the Celtics, the Cavs remain steadfast in their determination to prove their critics wrong and make a lasting impact in the postseason. Their journey is far from over, with Mitchell leading the charge and the team poised to make a statement on the grand stage of the NBA playoffs.