Orlando Magic edge Cleveland Cavaliers 128-122 at Kia Center for fifth straight win Wednesday night
Magic extend streak as Bane closes late in 128-122 win over Cavaliers
ORLANDO — The Orlando Magic held off the Cleveland Cavaliers 128-122 on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at Kia Center, securing a fifth consecutive victory in a game that remained within one or two possessions deep into the final minute.
Orlando’s execution in the closing sequence proved decisive. Desmond Bane finished with 35 points and sealed the outcome with a late 3-pointer and free throws inside the final 20 seconds. Paolo Banchero added 25 points, eight rebounds and seven assists, while Tristan da Silva scored 23 points, including nine in the fourth quarter as Orlando matched Cleveland’s scoring pace when the game tightened.
Key numbers show how Orlando created separation
Both teams made 44 field goals, but Orlando’s advantage came from volume at the foul line and ball security. The Magic attempted 37 free throws and converted 28, while Cleveland went 17-for-26. Orlando also committed six turnovers to Cleveland’s nine and finished with a 29-24 edge in assists.
- Final: Magic 128, Cavaliers 122
- Quarter-by-quarter: Orlando led 38-35 after one; Cleveland led 62-62? (game stayed tight), with Orlando winning the second half by outpacing Cleveland late
- Team shooting: Orlando 51.8% overall; Cleveland 49.4%
- 3-point shooting: Cleveland 17-for-44; Orlando 12-for-35
- Free throws: Orlando 28-for-37; Cleveland 17-for-26
Cleveland’s backcourt production kept pressure on Orlando
Cleveland received 30 points and eight assists from James Harden, who hit five 3-pointers and repeatedly generated offense in half-court sets. Donovan Mitchell scored 25 points on 24 field-goal attempts, and Evan Mobley posted 18 points and 13 rebounds. Off the bench, Keon Ellis added 20 points, including five made 3s, providing a scoring lift that helped Cleveland stay within striking distance as Orlando tried to pull away.
How the finish tilted toward Orlando
The final period featured multiple lead changes and short runs, with Orlando answering key Cavaliers makes through Bane’s shot-making and da Silva’s late scoring. Orlando’s ability to convert at the line in the closing possessions limited Cleveland’s comeback options, forcing the Cavaliers to chase points with 3-point attempts.
Orlando improved to 36-28 with the win, while Cleveland fell to 40-26.
What it means in the standings race
The result continued Orlando’s surge during a critical stretch of the regular season, while Cleveland left Orlando with a narrow loss despite strong guard play and a rebounding edge that was not enough to offset the free-throw disparity.