2009 NBA Playoffs | Magic pulls thru, leads the Cavs 3-1

Posted by doms | Wednesday, May 27, 2009 | , ,

The Orlando Magic takes a commanding 3 - 1 series lead over the Cleveland Cavaliers after Lebron James missed the potential game-winning three 116 - 114 in OT of Game 4 in their Eastern Conference Finals series in the 2009 NBA Playoffs.
2009 NBA Playoffs | Magic pulls thru, leads the Cavs 3-1King James sent the game into overtime, hitting two free throws to tie it at 100 apiece.

In overtime, Dwight Howard muscled his way inside for 10 points to lead the way and offset the spectacular James who as usual carried the Cavs including knocking in a wicked fade away three to keep the Cavs in the game.

When Lewis made only one of two free throws, 116 - 114 with 3.2 ticks to go, everyone knew that the Cavs would go to James to win the game just like in Game 2. It was a good thing that the Cavs have no timeout to call to setup a better play. James fired the shot some steps after the halfcourt line and fell short. 

In the first half, King James and the King's men showed up. They even had a run before the first half ended to have a 58 - 50 lead. In the second half, the Magic knocked threes and the played good enough defense. The King's men again failed to support James.

In the end, Lebron and the Cavs facing the tall task of coming back from a 3 - 1 series deficit, last done I believe by my Phoenix Suns against Kobe's Lakers.

It is really plain to see why the best team in the regular season is on the ropes against the Magic. It's the supporting cast to James that is missing especially in the crucial moments of the game.

*****
I was putting off writing another entry about the NBA Playoffs until this game because I thought it would also be 2-2 like in the West. That way I get to write only one post for both conferences' finals series.

Well, the Magic are now closing in in returning to the NBA Finals since 1995. That seems to be apparent if Mo Williams' foray to fortune telling or the James supporting casts' performance do not improve soon.