Anthony Bennett Steals Show Late against the Orlando Magic

Oct 11, 2013; Orlando, FL, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers power forward Anthony Bennett (15) celebrates after hitting a three-point-basket in the fourth quarter as the Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Orlando Magic 110-105 at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: David Manning-USA TODAY Sports

When the Cleveland Cavaliers announced that they would take Anthony Bennett with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft, people were left scratching their heads.

Bennett wasn’t even able to participate in pre-draft workouts (because of a shoulder injury) and many believed that there were other players more deserving of being taken first. But none of that matters anymore.

What does matter is that Bennett plays well for the Cavs, in whatever role they have in mind for him.

Though, it was reported just before their preseason game against the Orlando Magic that Bennett was struggling with conditioning. Bennett shot 2 of 12 in his first preseason game.

And in his second game, against the Magic, he got off to a rough 0 for 3 start, as well. But then, it all changed.

Bennett played nearly the entire fourth quarter and made six of his last seven shots, scoring 14 of his 16 points in the final period.

Here are his fourth quarter highlights:

The fact that five of his six made baskets were jump shots proves that there is no real problem with conditioning. Tired legs leave your shots short, there was nothing short about Bennett’s fourth quarter barrage of shooting.

The Cavs are back in action on Oct 15 against Charlotte.