Cavalier superlatives: Meleek Thomas shines in an otherwise disappointing performance vs. Magic

The Cleveland Cavaliers concluded their preseason schedule with a 132-116 loss against the Orlando Magic. Writer Jackson Flickinger notes that rookie guard Meleek Thomas served as Cleveland's lone standout, scoring 14 of his 16 points during a fourth-quarter offensive surge. Orlando controlled the game behind strong performances from Paolo Banchero, who scored 24 points, and Franz Wagner, who contributed 20 points and eight assists.

Flickinger highlights that Cleveland's perimeter defense struggled heavily throughout the exhibition defeat, allowing Orlando to post a dominant 109.7 half-court offensive rating. Evan Mobley experienced another quiet showing with 14 points, while Jaylon Tyson added 12 points for the Cavaliers.