During Game 2 of the first-round series between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Orlando Magic, the Cavaliers showcased their dominant defense early on, setting the tone for the game. The Cavaliers' smothering defense has been a key factor in their 2-0 series lead, limiting the Magic to just 34.4% shooting from the field, one of the lowest shooting percentages in the past 60 seasons of playoffs.
Cleveland's frontcourt duo of Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley has been particularly effective in disrupting the Magic's offense. The Magic struggled to score when contested by either big man, shooting just 7-of-25 in Game 2. Allen's standout performance included becoming the third player in Cavaliers history to record at least 20 rebounds in a playoff game and the first to achieve back-to-back 15-point, 15-rebound games in the playoffs.
