2023-24 Playoff Series #1 | Game #5 | Magic @ Cavs | April 30, 2024

[bushwick_bill]

People can badmouth Mitchell all they want. But he gutted this game out. He is clearly hurt and his outside shot hasn't been falling. But say what you want, his will to win, his guts and his heart are the closest thing this team has to an identity at this point in time.

People who badmouth NBA players who are playing hurt in the playoffs... Totally agree...

 

[bushwick_bill]

 

[bushwick_bill]

 

[bushwick_bill]

this is for @Damage

 

[G00seY3]

If I’m JB here’s the rotation I’m running the rest of the series:

- at least two of Mobley, Allen, Morris
- at least one of Donovan, Garland
- mix and match Strus, Okoro, Levert, Merril

But because it’s JB, I fully expect Niang back in place of Morris for Game 6 and playing an undersized guy at the 4.

 

[2 For The Brew]

JBB made the key adjustment in benching Niang for Marcus Morris Sr. MMS had 12 points and was a +8 in 26 minutes. Better late than never.

Strus finally punched the time clock with a line of 16/6/5 with two steals. Mobley was huge with a line of 14/13/4 with two steals and two blocks. Garland with 23 points, 5 assists, and just two turnovers. He needs to keep getting into the paint and hitting those runners.

Donovan still can't hit 3's but he did a great job of getting into the paint and making the layup or drawing fouls.

Great job down the stretch in getting stops and buckets, although Mitchell missed a mid-range jumper at 102-100 that gave the Magic a chance to send it to OT.

I can't believe they beat Orlando without Allen and with Banchero going off for 39, but what a great team effort. Banchero is a monster.

Now the Cavs get their clocks cleaned in Orlando and it will come down to whether they can go 4-for-4 at home. Hope Allen can come back by game 7.

I would expect us to get beat in Orlando too but with this team who knows.

 

[kookoo]

If I’m JB here’s the rotation I’m running the rest of the series:

- at least two of Mobley, Allen, Morris
- at least one of Donovan, Garland
- mix and match Strus, Okoro, Levert, Merril

But because it’s JB, I fully expect Niang back in place of Morris for Game 6 and playing an undersized guy at the 4.

Personally Mobley and Allen shouldn't see too much floor time together. The lack of shooting and maybe being a little too flat footed to go after Banchero consistently. Agreed with the rest. Maybe throw Tristan in there once in a while.

 

[The Human Q-Tip]

People can badmouth Mitchell all they want. But he gutted this game out. He is clearly hurt and his outside shot hasn't been falling. But say what you want, his will to win, his guts and his heart are the closest thing this team has to an identity at this point in time.

Never complains, either.

Very tough guy.

 

[American Hero]

People who badmouth NBA players who are playing hurt in the playoffs... Totally agree...

When is Mitchell not hurt in the playoffs?

 

[The Human Q-Tip]

I would expect us to get beat in Orlando too but with this team who knows.

Banchero played out of his mind. With Harris out, a "normal" Banchero, and Allen back...we might have a shot.

 

[bushwick_bill]

 

[Melancholy Jaques]

Mitchell should not be in the game.

This is a huge mistake by Bickerstaff.

This did not age well.

 

[cavsfever]

And he just calls a clear out and ISO for Mitchell, what an innovative call.

It was the right thing to do, Mitchell is a better offensive mind than he is. We brought Mitchell in so he could iso instead of having an offense

 

[bushwick_bill]

I would expect us to get beat in Orlando too but with this team who knows.

Closing them out in Orlando and getting a road win before going into the Boston series would be such great push for the boys...

 

[cavsfever]

Let's finish these Magic Kingdom fuckers in Orlando

It feels like this goes 7 and we win it at home.

Then we have an actual punchers chance against Boston without Porzingis