FanPost

Magic beat Cavs 116-114, take 3-1 series lead

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via www4.pictures.gi.zimbio.com

The Orlando Magic shot 44.7% from behind the arc, knocking down 17 threes. One of them came with 4.1 seconds remaining, when Hedo Turkoglu inbounded to Rashard Lewis just as he freed himself from Ben Wallace, giving the Magic a 100-98 lead. LeBron James then promptly fell over himself, drawing two shots from the charity stripe. He nailed the first shot, and sent the second one bouncing around the rim before it rolled in.

Tied at the 100 mark, the game went into OT. The two teams kept it close until Mickael Pietrus hit a 3-pointer to put the Magic up 109-105, and Howard tipped in a missed layup by Turkoglu for two more. 111-105, 1:12 remaining.

It wasn't over, though, James made a layup and then capitalised on a missed shot to put the Cavaliers within two. Howard made some free throws and blocked a James layup with 16 seconds left, bringing it back up to a slim 4 point lead. Ilgauskas and Lewis then both made their pair of free throws, keeping the lead at 4 with 6 seconds remaining, Cavs ball. Considering what happened a mere two games ago, the Magic kept their attention focused on James, but he still made an impressive 3 point shot to pull the Cavs within one with 4 seconds remaining. Lewis missed the first of his two free throws, giving the Cavs a chance to win it with a three. James threw the ball in time, but it missed the rim soundly.

So, the Magic are one game away from the NBA Finals. What do you guys think?

 

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