Orlando's long-range shooting is too much for the Cavaliers on Tuesday night.
View full sizeDwight Howard got this second-quarter shot off against Anderson Varejao Tuesday night, but both big men were nearly even with their statistics as the Cavaliers and Magic played a close first 24 minutes.CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Notes and observations as the Cavaliers fall to the Magic at The Q Tuesday night.
Final: Magic 110, Cavaliers 95
This one unraveled when the Cavaliers had to rely on reserves to try to keep the team in it. They didn't.
The Magic pulled away thanks to another barrage of 3-pointers. In all, they sank 19 threes, a new record for a Cavaliers opponent. They sank 61.3 percent of their long-distance attempts, led by Gilbert Arenas' five 3-pointers and 22 points. Arenas also had 11 assists.
Antawn Jamison led the Cavaliers with 21 points. Anderson Varejao's defense on Dwight Howard was fantastic, holding the Orlando center to 12 points and six rebounds.
3rd quarter update: Magic 75, Cavaliers 74
If there's one reason the Cavaliers are still in this game, its name is Anderson Varejao.
Varejao played a spectacular quarter with his typical hustle and energy. He recorded eight points, four rebounds and generally annoyed Orlando center Dwight Howard. Howard was so frustrated by Varejao's defense, that he gave the Cavaliers' center a hard shoulder after hitting a layup late in the quarter. Andy's the kind of player teammates love and opponents hate.
Jason Richardson has 20 points for the Magic, and Orlando is still hitting threes -- 57.1 percent for the game, now.
Halftime update: Magic 60, Cavaliers 57
Cleveland is playing one of the Eastern Conference's best teams evenly, thanks to some hot shooting.
The Cavaliers have hit 56 percent in the first half, led by Antawn Jamison's 15 points on 6-for-8 shooting, Mo Williams' 14 on 5-for-9 and Daniel Gibson's 11 points on 4-for-6.
The Magic's 3-point accuracy continues to be a problem, however, as Orlando has hit 10-of-16 from long distance. Gilbert Arenas hit two consecutive 3s to even the score with 6:09 left, and the two teams have battled back and forth for the lead since.
Of concern: Anderson Varejao and Gibson both have three fouls. Varejao is more worrisome since the Cavaliers need someone to defend Dwight Howard.
J.J. Hickson is playing hard for the second consecutive game, and already has seven points and seven rebounds. He's 1-for-5 on free throws, however, and Cavaliers have hit only 9-of-16 as a team.
First quarter update: Cavaliers 33, Magic 30
The Cavaliers had a scary moment at 8:32 in the first quarter when Antawn Jamison clanged knees with Orlando guard Jameer Nelson. Jamison fell to the ground writhing in pain for several minutes, clutching his right knee. He walked off the court, however, was diagnosed with a bruised knee and returned later in the quarter.
Cleveland did just fine without him, however, led by Mo Williams' 14 points on 5-for-6 shooting. That means Williams already has one half of what is becoming his standard double-double; he's had five consecutive double-doubles, and has four assists in through one quarter.
One point of concern: Orlando is hitting 77.8 percent of its 3-pointers, sinking 7-of-9 to keep the Magic in the game. Cleveland is the worst in the NBA in defending 3-pointers, allowing opponents to shoot 41 percent.
Cavs starters: F Anthony Parker, F Antawn Jamison, C Anderson Varejao, G Daniel Gibson, G Mo Williams.
Magic starters: F Hedo Turkoglu, F Brandon Bass, C Dwight Howard, G Jason Richardson, G Jameer Nelson
Injuries: Joey Graham (strained right quad) is out for Cavs. Jason Williams (sore left foot) and Daniel Orton (left knee surgery) and Malik Allen (sprained left ankle) are out.
Inactives: Christian Eyenga, Graham and Samardo Samuels for Cavs. Orton and Allen for the Wolves.
Officials: Michael Smith, Eric Lewis, Brian Forte
Three things to watch:
1. How do the Cavaliers counter Superman (Dwight Howard) when Anderson Varejao is out of the game?
2. The Magic is excellent in transition with a new lineup that has lots of scoring punch in Richardson, Turkoglu, Howard and Gilbert Arenas. Defensively, the Cavaliers have struggled in stopping up-tempo teams.
3. Can Mo Williams record his sixth straight double-double?