Final Score: Cavs hold on against Magic, win 131-127

Isaiah Thomas scored 19 points in his first start.

It got close in the end, but the Cavaliers are winners in Isaiah Thomas’ first start of the season.

Thomas scored 19 points on 7-13 shooting in 21 minutes in his first start as a Cavalier. LeBron James lead the Cavaliers with 33 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists. Kevin Love added 27 points of his own to go along with five rebounds. Aaron Gordon led the Magic with 30 points.

The Cavs took control in the third quarter against the Magic behind strong play from Thomas, who scored 12 points and made all four of his shots in the quarter. Love added 14 points of his own in the quarter as part of a 40-point output from the Cavs and a 20-point lead heading into the fourth quarter.

But Cleveland proceeded to commit eight turnovers in the fourth quarter, giving away the lead in the process. With under a minute to go, the Magic were back within three. Lue then put Thomas back in the game. He, though, airballed a shot and was bailed out by Dwyane Wade grabbing the offensive rebound and scoring with 17 seconds left to put the Cavs up by five.

Saturday also marked the Cavs’ ninth straight win in Orlando. Cleveland next plays on Monday against the Timberwolves in Minnesota.