Allen says he takes rebounding inspiration from former Cav Anderson Varejao: 'He was an excellent rebounder all throughout his career. Was he the best overall? No. But every time he went on the court he wanted it. I try to replicate that.' He wouldn't say who has the better hair.

The Cavaliers take a demanding 2-0 series lead over the Magic with their 96-86 win. They're the first team to allow fewer than 90 points in their first two games of the postseason since the 2017 Spurs, per ESPN Stats & Info

Suggs is back, starting the second half for the Magic.

Suggs has been diagnosed with a left knee sprain, per Magic. Questionable to return.

The Magic were confident heading into Game 2 that their offense would come, or at least not be worse than Game 1. But they put up just 18 points in the first quarter. (Presumably) losing Suggs won't help.

Donovan Mitchell scored or assisted 18 of the Cavs' 30 points.

Suggs is getting carried off the floor by two teammates. Not putting any weight on that left leg.

Jalen Suggs is down grabbing at his left knee area. Shaking his head as teammates check on him. Orlando takes time out. He knocked if after making contact with Donavan Mitchell.

DEN coach Michael Malone’s answer when asked about his player, Michael Porter Jr.’s, headspace going into Game 1 after his brother Coban was sentenced to a six-year prison term on Friday just days after his other brother, Jontay, was banned by the NBA for betting on his games:

Joel Embiid just walked back onto the court as the final seconds ticked off the halftime break, and it appears he'll be returning to the game.

“This is who I am.”

Donovan Mitchell has scored at least 30 points in 5 consecutive Game 1s. This time, he hopes it sets the tone for Cavaliers to accomplish more moving forward. ESPN story from Cleveland: espn.com/nba/story/_/id…

Bickerstaff said Donovan Mitchell, who scored 30, has a special understands of how important the start to games are.

'Now they're trying to one up you throughout the game, and then he has a way, just make big shot, big shot, big shot, and you're never chasing your opponent.'

Bickerstaff on his team's composure today: 'We did what we needed to do. I thought we stood our ground ... we didn't allow ourselves to get caught up in the s*** ... I thought that was their intent was to try to disrupt the game, and our guys didn't take the bait.'

Jarrett Allen with 15 points and 16 rebounds heading into the fourth... the first Cavaliers player with a 15-pt, 15-reb playoff game since LeBron James in Game 7 of the 2018 ECF, per ESPN Stats & Info

Cavs up 53-41 at halftime. Evan Mobley with 16 point son 6-of-10 FGM, already the most points he's scored in any playoff game in his career. On top of that, the Magic are shooting 1-of-6 who he is contesting the shot.

The Cavs start out shooting 5-of-5 from 3 -- a team that shot just 36% from distance during the regular season. Pregame, JB Bickerstaff said he wanted his team to start the game with pace to 'do our best to overwhelm (Orlando).' So far, the are.

The most wonderful time of year!

Switching it up for playoffs! I’m in Cleveland covering the Cavs/Magic first-round matchup.

Starters for Cleveland: Jarrett Allen, Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, Max Strus

Orlando: Paolo Banchero, Gary Harris, Jonathan Isaac, Jalen Suggs, Franz Wagner

ESPN Sources: Atlanta is hiring Golden State’s Onsi Saleh as an assistant general manager. Saleh — who had been VP of Basketball Strategy and Team Counsel with the Warriors — has worked closely with Bob Myers and Mike Dunleavy Jr., and previously with Spurs CEO RC Buford.

“There is a lot of value to having our three guys being Warriors for life.”

ESPN story on Steve Kerr’s outlook on the future of the Warriors’ dynastic core as the team heads into a crucial offseason: espn.com/nba/story/_/id…

In addition to saying he wants Klay Thompson back, Dunleavy says he can't imagine a scenario where Draymond Green isn't a part of the roster moving forward.