It took an overtime session, but the Orlando Magic defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers by a final score of 116-114 Tuesday night. The series will now shift back to Cleveland for Game 5, where the Cavs now have their backs against the wall and face a situation where they must win three consecutive games.
Dwight Howard scored 10 points in overtime and the Magic rained threes like it was a Florida thunderstorm, to withstand 44 points and a last-second shot by LeBron James, to take a 3-1 series lead in the Eastern Conference finals, and only need one more win to advance to the NBA finals for the first time since 1995. Howard finished with 27 points, 14 rebounds and again made his free throws (7 of 9) for the resilient Magic, who made a team record 17 3-pointers (11 after halftime). Rafer Alston had 26 points, while Rashard Lewis and Mikael Pietrus (off the bench) added 17 points each for the Magic.
LeBron James was spectacular again, scoring 44 points on 13-of-29 shooting, including a three-pointer to bring Cleveland within one in the final seconds of overtime, he also added 12 rebounds and seven assists, but he had eight turnovers for the Cavs, whose season of a lifetime is slipping away right before their eyes.
After Lewis made one of two free throws with 3.2 seconds left to give the Magic the 116-114 lead, the Cavs had one final chance; and every person inside Amway Arena and millions watching on TV knew who was going to get it, LeBron James. The league MVP, who saved the Cavs with a 3-pointer at the final horn in Game 2, was double-teamed on the inbounds pass but still managed to get free. He came back and got the ball before dribbling into the frontcourt as Magic fans held their collective breath. James then rose from 35 feet, and with a clean look at the basket, sent his shot toward the rim as the silent crowd could only gaze. It fell short, and Cleveland's dream season may be next.
Cleveland's Mo Williams, who guaranteed the Cavs would win Game 4 and the series, scored 18 points, and none after the third quarter. Delonte West added 17 and Zydrunas Ilgauskus had 12 as the Cavs struggled all night to find secondary scorers. Following the game, Magic fans chanted "One more win." And history is on the Magic's side heading into Game 5. Teams with a 3-1 lead are a staggering 182-8 in series dating back to 1947. All Cleveland fans can do now is hope their team can rise from the ashes.
Peace and Much Love To Ya :)
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