|
 Tristan Thompson contributed 20 points and 11 rebounds while
Spencer Hawes also scored 20 as the Cavaliers moved within two games
of New York for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
Irving made 7-of-8 from the field and chipped in with eight assists
after returning from a strained left biceps for Cleveland, which has
won five of its last six games.
Jarrett Jack also scored 13 for the Cavaliers, who shot 57.7 percent
from the field and had a 25-6 edge in fast break points. Victor
Oladipo led the way with 16 points and Doron Lamb had 14 both off
the bench for the Magic, who turned the ball over 17 times.
Orlando trimmed a 13-point deficit to seven midway through the
second quarter before Cleveland scored 21 of the final 26 to build a
70-47 lead at intermission. Hawes drained four 3-pointers en route
to 18 points and Thompson poured in 14 as the Cavaliers outscored
the Magic 38-18 in the paint during the opening half.
Irvings basket early in the third pushed the lead to 27 and Orlando
fought back within 17, but Cleveland scored 12 of the final 15 six
by Thompson for a 94-68 edge going into the final 12 minutes. The
Magic could not make a serious run in the fourth quarter as the
Cavaliers finished with 64 points in the paint.
GAME NOTEBOOK: The Cavaliers were without leading rebounder Anderson
Varejao due to a shoulder injury.
The 70 points were the most
scored in the first half by Cleveland this season and the most
Orlando has given up in any half in 2013-14.
The Cavaliers, who
have beat the Magic in all four meetings this season, drained
9-of-18 from 3-point range and 20-of-24 at the free-throw line.
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