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Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley lead Cleveland Cavaliers over Orlando Magic

brian dulik
·2 min read
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) shoots against Orlando Magic center Bol Bol (10) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Dec. 2, 2022, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) shoots against Orlando Magic center Bol Bol (10) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Dec. 2, 2022, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)

CLEVELAND — Donovan Mitchell scored 34 points and Evan Mobley had 19 points and 13 rebounds, lifting the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 107-96 victory over the Orlando Magic on Friday night.

Mitchell poured in 16 points in the first nine minutes, outscoring Orlando himself by one, and the Cavaliers never relinquished control. Cleveland eventually led by 20 in winning for the 10th time in 11 home games this season.

Darius Garland had 18 points and six assists, and Kevin Love added 11 points and 10 rebounds off the bench for the Cavs. Love returned after missing six games with a broken right thumb.

Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley (4) shoots against Orlando Magic center Moritz Wagner (21) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Dec. 2, 2022, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley (4) shoots against Orlando Magic center Moritz Wagner (21) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Dec. 2, 2022, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)

Rookie forward Paolo Banchero scored 22 points, Cole Anthony had 19 and Markelle Fultz added 10 points and six assists for the Magic, who lost their seventh straight and have the worst record in the NBA at 5-18.

It was Anthony’s second game back after missing a month with a torn right oblique. Fultz made his season debut Wednesday against Atlanta after missing the first 21 games with a broken left toe.

Mobley, runner-up for NBA Rookie of the Year last season, shot 9 of 10 from the field and has six double-doubles in the last nine games. He also had four assists in 38 active minutes.

Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love (0) shoots against Orlando Magic forwards Franz Wagner (22) and Caleb Houstan (2) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Dec. 2, 2022, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love (0) shoots against Orlando Magic forwards Franz Wagner (22) and Caleb Houstan (2) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Dec. 2, 2022, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)

The Magic played without top rebounder Wendell Carter Jr. and point guard Jalen Suggs. Carter has been out eight games with a right foot injury and Suggs missed his fourth straight with a sore right ankle.

Cleveland lost forward Dean Wade to a left shoulder injury in the second quarter.

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Caris LeVert (3) shoots against Orlando Magic center Moritz Wagner (21) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Dec. 2, 2022, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Caris LeVert (3) shoots against Orlando Magic center Moritz Wagner (21) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Dec. 2, 2022, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)

On the mend

Cavaliers guard Ricky Rubio (left knee surgery), who tore his anterior cruciate ligament last Dec. 28 at New Orleans, played light 3-on-3 for the first time this year Thursday at the team’s suburban training facility.

No timetable has been established for Rubio to return to NBA action, but coach J.B. Bickerstaff said: “Ricky is doing a little bit more and more. He’s got a doctor’s appointment coming up soon and we’re looking to see where he’s at.”

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland (10) shoots against Orlando Magic guard Terrence Ross (31) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Dec. 2, 2022, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland (10) shoots against Orlando Magic guard Terrence Ross (31) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Dec. 2, 2022, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)

Tip-ins

Magic: G Gary Harris (right hamstring strain) did not play after getting hurt two nights earlier against the Hawks. Harris underwent left knee surgery on Sept. 1 and has only appeared in six games. … C Mo Bamba (back spasms), C Jonathan Isaac (left knee recovery) and F Chuma Okeke (left knee soreness) were all unavailable.

Cavaliers: All-Star C Jarrett Allen (bruised lower back) missed his fourth game in a row after getting injured Nov. 25 at Milwaukee. … F Lamar Stevens started in his return from a four-game absence with a non-COVID-19 illness. … Cleveland plays 10 home games in December, only heading on the road for three contests until Dec. 29.

Orlando Magic guard Markelle Fultz (20) passes the ball from between Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley (4) and guard Darius Garland (10) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Dec. 2, 2022, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
Orlando Magic guard Markelle Fultz (20) passes the ball from between Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley (4) and guard Darius Garland (10) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Dec. 2, 2022, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)

Up next

Magic: Visit Toronto on Saturday night.

Cavaliers: Visit New York on Sunday night.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Cavaliers beat Magic for 10th win in 11 home games