Rex5

This series is winnable even with an anemic offense, for the playoffs becomes a half-court game and defense becomes significant. Playoffs is also about making adjustments. Cleveland is starting 3 guards (Garland, Mitchell and Strus, who is a good shooter), but Franz neutralized him. Yet, Cleveland's height is a problem, especially when Cole came in and Mobley easily scored on him after some unfortunate switches on defense, extending their lead in the lst half. However, I'd like to see an adjustment to negate both Mobley and Allen initially with Isaac and Bitadze, respectively, with Franz playing the 2 matching up with Mitchell, who is a load. JI can handle Mobley and Allen can't shoot, but good around the basket for offensive rebounding and some shot-blocking that Bitadze can offset. Suggs can stay with Garland, provided he plays under control, which is asking a lot. Yet, that would leave Strus exposed with Banchero, who is not a good-on ball defender, which could be exploited if Strus gets open for good looks. You'd have to hope Banchero adjusts, which I have doubts. Yet, you take the risk and focus on containing Mitchell, who I believe Franz can do, providing some effective defense on him. Wendell, Harris, Mo and Markelle can provide adequate relief and support for the starters and we'll see how this unfolds as the series progresses. Lastly, take the ball out of the hands of Banchero, for he makes a ton of turnovers (9 today) and allow Franz to run the offense with Fultz in moments, a disappointment but he can run the offense in relief. Cleveland has a nice bench with Levert, Okoro, Niang and Merrill, but the Magic reserves Harris, Kelle and Wendell and their team defensive concept can negate their bench, for Levert and Okoro are aggressive shooters, who love to drive, but the Magic's team defensive concept can negate that, provided that they rotate accordingly and force them to take tough shots. I have Cleveland winning the series, nevertheless, mainly because of Mitchell, who is their "go to" player when they need a bucket, which the Magic does not have. Yet, this remains winnable if the defensive adjustments are made, Mitchell can be contained to a point by Franz and negate both Mobley and Allen with JI and Bitadze, the Magic make their "free throws", Suggs plays with some control and they maintain their defensive focus, which is more than decent.

He doesn't come close to playing any defense, as well.

That is the most efficient quarter of basketball I've ever seen the Magic play, offensively and defensively....