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ORLANDO, Florida – Sometimes there is too much to overcome.
That was the case for the shorthanded Cleveland Cavaliers Monday night, dropping the first of the two-game series against the Orlando Magic, 103-83.
Going into the night missing six players, the Cavs lost another less than a minute in the game, when Dante Exum came out with right calf strain and did not return.
Exum was already leaving in place of rookie Isaac Okoro, who joined the team on the bench for the first time since December 26 but is still hampered by a sprained foot. The Cavs were also without young point guard Darius Garland, sidelined with right shoulder strain, forced to watch the game from the front of the bench between the Cleveland coaches.
The absences forced head coach JB Bickerstaff to reshuffle his roster again. He used a different sixth starting lineup, with Damyean Dotson replacing Garland and Collin Sexton moving to the leader.
As if that wasn’t enough, Exum’s early departure left Bickerstaff with just 10 playable bodies, guys who wouldn’t get action in a normal situation. He used two-way player Lamar Stevens for the third time this year. Marques Bolden made his fourth appearance. Dean Wade and Thon Maker both hit a season high within minutes.
Even with Orlando scoring the game’s first 10 points and the Cavs digging another hole early on, Bickerstaff’s gritty group struggled – until they couldn’t anymore. They trailed just two points at the half and took their first lead of the night at 10:44 of the third quarter with Dotson drilling a 3 point.
It was short lived. The Magic went on a 16-5 run over the next four minutes. Then they rebuilt their double-digit lead, where it stayed for the rest of the game.
Collin Sexton extended his 20-point streak to seven, leading with 24 points on 10 of 19. Cedi Osman had 18 points to go with seven assists and five rebounds. Dotson, on his first start with the Cavs, took advantage of the increased playing time. Dotson scored 16 of 6 of 10 points from the field.
Aaron Gordon of Orlando punctuated a balanced attack with 24 points and 11 tables. Nikola Vucevic added 23 and eight.
Cleveland scored 34 points in a miserable and grueling second half. The Cavs ran out of steam – then capable rotational players.
They defied the odds at the start of the season. But on Monday night, the pile of injuries, jumbled lineups, and players in different roles finally caught up with them.
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The Cavs will play the Magic once against in Orlando on Wednesday night. The tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
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New Cavs Face Masks For Sale: Here’s where you can purchase Cleveland Cavaliers-themed face coverings for coronavirus protection, including a single mask ($ 14.99) and a 3-pack ($ 24.99). All NBA profits have been donated to charity.
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