Cavaliers set the tone
Cleveland Cavaliers 119, Orlando Magic 105. James Harden scored 24 points to lead the Cavaliers to the victory Sunday at Rocket Arena, where Cleveland was the home team. The result left both teams with 1-1 records after the game.
Cleveland established control in the opening quarter, outscoring Orlando 32-28. The Cavaliers added to that margin in the second, taking the period 29-22 and carrying a 61-50 lead into halftime. Harden was Cleveland's leading scorer, while Donovan Mitchell contributed six assists and Evan Mobley collected seven rebounds.
Magic narrow the gap late
The Cavaliers extended their advantage in the third quarter despite Orlando's continued scoring. Cleveland outscored the Magic 29-25 in the period, moving into the fourth with a 90-75 lead. The 15-point margin was Cleveland's largest lead entering the final quarter.
Orlando had the better scoring total in the fourth, posting 30 points to Cleveland's 29. The Magic's late output reduced the margin, but the Cavaliers maintained the lead through the final score of 119-105.
