Cavaliers Clinch Playoff Berth with Win Over Hornets
Cavaliers Defeat Magic in Game 1 of Playoffs
### Donovan Mitchell and Jarrett Allen Lead the Way CLEVELAND, Ohio (AP) - Donovan Mitchell scored 33 points, and Jarrett Allen had 29 points and 13 rebounds as the Cleveland Cavaliers clinched a playoff berth with a 116-98 win over the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday night. It was the Cavs' third straight win and their ninth in their last 10 games. They finished the regular season with a 45-37 record, which was good for fourth place in the Eastern Conference. The Cavs will open the playoffs at home on Saturday against the fifth-seeded Orlando Magic. Mitchell, who was acquired from the Utah Jazz in a trade in September, has been a key part of the Cavs' success this season. He is averaging 27.4 points per game, which is second on the team behind Darius Garland. Allen, who was acquired from the Brooklyn Nets in a trade in February, has also been a major contributor. He is averaging 16.1 points and 10.8 rebounds per game. The Hornets, who were eliminated from playoff contention with the loss, were led by Terry Rozier's 23 points. LaMelo Ball added 18 points and 10 rebounds. The Cavs took control of the game in the second quarter, outscoring the Hornets 35-19. Mitchell scored 12 points in the quarter, and Allen added 10. The Hornets made a run in the fourth quarter, cutting the lead to 10 points with just over five minutes remaining. But the Cavs held on to secure the win. The Cavs will be looking to make a deep run in the playoffs this year. They have one of the best young teams in the league, and they have a lot of experience playing together. Mitchell and Garland have been playing together for two seasons now, and Allen has been playing with the Cavs for the past two months.
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