Cavs’ franchise-record win streak ends at 16 after ugly loss to Magic

CLEVELAND — Not every game will be pure poetry and the Orlando Magic made sure this one was the opposite of that. They mucked up the afternoon and ended the Cavaliers’ franchise win streak at 16.

The final verdict: Magic 108, Cavs 103 in front of a sellout crowd of 19,432 at Rocket Arena.

As you know, this has been a season of dreams for the Cavaliers (56-11), who now own winning streaks of 15 games, 12 games and 16 games. 

But they just didn’t have it on this day. The Magic made sure of it.

Donovan Mitchell returned from a two-game absence with a groin issue and tried to save the streak with 23 points. But he went just 9-of-28 shooting. Jarrett Allen battled his way to 20 points and 12 rebounds. Allen now has 37 double-doubles on the season.

He had to do it without the help of Evan Mobley, who was sidelined with a foot injury. (He’s believed to be day-to-day.) 

The Cavs trailed 92-91 with 6:45 to go before finally pulling it together against the Magic’s scratch, claw and grab defensive scheme. They then trailed 102-100 with 1:18 left after a pair of Franz Wagner free throws.

Then Max Strus hit a 3-pointer to make it Cavs 103-102 at the 1:03 mark. They wouldn’t score again.

They had a chance, but a De’Andre Hunter corner 3 hit the backboard. The Magic got the rebound and that was that.

Darius Garland added 19 points and a gritty six rebounds for Cleveland, and Ty Jerome and Hunter scored 12 and nine, respectively. Hunter, however, went just 2-of-11 shooting.

Paolo Banchero led the Magic (32-37) with 24 points and 11 rebounds. The Cavs now hit the road for five games, starting Tuesday night at the Clippers in LA.

• Box Score | Magic 108, Cavs 103
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