The top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers got tested for the first time in these playoffs. And they failed that test, losing the home-court advantage that they worked all season to get. They looked stunned after the final buzzer of a 107-106 loss.After sweeping easily through the first two rounds -- winning all eight games by 10 points or more -- the Cavs discovered Wednesday that it's a different game against the really good teams.
As great as he is, LeBron James -- the NBA's MVP -- can't do it all by himself, which should have been a concern before this Eastern Conference final began. James was superb with 49 points, but he let someone else (Delonte West) take the final shot, and that was a huge mistake. No one else was ready.
The Magic, relying on a Big Three of Dwight Howard, Rashard Lewis and Hedo Turkoglu, used their better balance and some clutch shooting down the stretch when the pressure mounted.
Lewis and Turkoglu, who were sluggish and passive in the first half, combined to score the last 17 points for the Magic down the stretch. The Magic trailed by 15 at intermission, but they slowly fought back into the game, wearing out James in the fourth.
"I don't have a clue how to handle LeBron," said Magic Coach Stan Van Gundy. "But we're a resilient team, and we'll keep fighting."
Lewis hit the game-winning 3-pointer with 14 seconds remaining, launching it over the outstretched arm of Anderson Varejao. James had a final chance with the ball, but after taking it into traffic, the ball was shot and missed by West in the corner.
The Magic had no answer for James, but the Cavs didn't know what to do either with Howard, who had 30 points and 13 rebounds.
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CLEVELAND - MAY 20: Marcin Gortat #13 of the Orlando Magic celebrates at the end of the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game One of the Eastern Conference Finals during the 2009 Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena on May 20, 2009 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Marcin Gortat
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CLEVELAND - MAY 20: Dwight Howard #12 of the Orlando Magic celebrates at the end of the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game One of the Eastern Conference Finals during the 2009 Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena on May 20, 2009 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Dwight Howard
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Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James (23) goes up for a shot against Orlando Magic's Dwight Howard (12) in the fourth quarter of Game 1 of the NBA Eastern Conference basketball finals Wednesday, May 20, 2009, in Cleveland. James scored 49 points but the Cavaliers lost to Orlando 107-106. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)
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Orlando Magic's Rashard Lewis strides after a 3-point shot that gave the Magic the lead in the final minute of Game 1 of the NBA Eastern Conference basketball finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday, May 20, 2009, in Cleveland. Orlando won 107-106. (AP Photo/David Richard)
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CLEVELAND - MAY 20: LeBron James #23 reacts after a play with teammates Zydrunas Ilgauskas #11, Mo Williams #2 and Delonte West #13 of the Cleveland Cavaliers against the Orlando Magic in Game One of the Eastern Conference Finals during the 2009 Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena on May 20, 2009 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** LeBron James;Zydrunas Ilguaskas;Mo Williams;Delonte West
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CLEVELAND - MAY 20: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts after a call against the Orlando Magic in Game One of the Eastern Conference Finals during the 2009 Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena on May 20, 2009 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** LeBron James
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CLEVELAND - MAY 20: Marcin Gortat #13 and Dwight Howard #12 of the Orlando Magic react after a play late in the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game One of the Eastern Conference Finals during the 2009 Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena on May 20, 2009 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Marcin Gortat;Dwight Howard
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CLEVELAND - MAY 20: Delonte West #13 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts at the end of the game against the Orlando Magic in Game One of the Eastern Conference Finals during the 2009 Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena on May 20, 2009 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Delonte West
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CLEVELAND - MAY 20: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers leaves the court after an injury at the end of the game against the Orlando Magic in Game One of the Eastern Conference Finals during the 2009 Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena on May 20, 2009 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** LeBron James
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Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James walks off the court after the Orlando Magic won Game 1 of their NBA Eastern Conference Final basketball playoff Game in Cleveland, Ohio, May 20, 2009. REUTERS/Aaron Josefczyk (UNITED STATES SPORT BASKETBALL)
Reuters
The teams traded big shots down the stretch, but only the Magic had been in any tight games in the earlier rounds, winning a Game 7 in Boston. And it showed. The Cavs didn't have the composure, which the Magic did.
Howard wasn't even in the game at the end, fouling out with 25 seconds remaining when he tried to block a basket by James.
Howard got into early foul trouble -- two out of three were offensive -- which opened a free lane to the basket for James early.
The first half was all Cleveland. The Cavs started fast, jumping out to a quick double-digit lead, and they never slowed until intermission. James had 26 points by halftime, which ended with a three-quarters court, 3-pointer at the buzzer by Mo Williams, sending the Cavs into the locker room laughing.
Howard flexed his muscle early, grabbing an offensive rebound and dunking with such force on the Magic's first basket that he knocked the shot clock loose from atop the backboard, forcing a nine-minute delay.
It was a scene reminiscent from former Magic center Shaquille O'Neal, whose power was legendary. He made a goal standard collapse in Phoenix with one dunk, and he shattered a backboard in New Jersey with another, forcing the league to change equipment.
Coincidentally, this is the first time the Magic have been back to the conference final since O'Neal left town.
The Magic were out of sync and lacking energy early. Lewis and Turkoglu, their two big stars down the stretch, didn't hit their first field goals until late in the second quarter, leaving Howard to carry both the offense and defense early in the game.
The Cavs confused the Magic in the first half by switching up defensively. They put James on point guard Rafer Alston and left West to take away Turkoglu's 3-point shooting on the perimeter.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
5-21-2009 @ 12:40AM
cabinetec said...
Ok So now all you Kobe bashers and Laker haters. Everyone knew that the Cavs were playing sub par teams in the first two rounds of the playoffs but didnt want to admit it. As good as Labron is and as good as Kobe is its still a TEAM effort. The Lakers were tested by a good Utah team and a Better Houston team and survived. Now its Cavs turn to see if they can survive.
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5-21-2009 @ 1:19AM
nabpdcop said...
AMEN, I knew this would happen. When these LAASSES......smile play a good team they SUCK. I'll put the ball in KOBES hand at the end of a game anytime. He's the closer, and everyone know it.
5-21-2009 @ 1:13AM
mittenbaby said...
I've said from the start,the cavs are like fools gold.all they have is lebron and the other guys.they beat up on a weak eastern confrence(outside of boston&orlando)beat a detroit team that quit,beat a hurt atlanta team.they will not win the championship EVER!
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5-21-2009 @ 1:19AM
Omen1618 said...
I still don't believe the Magic can win this series. LeBron is more dominate than anyone could have imagined and after this wake-up call I'm certain the Cavs will come out stronger than ever. Oh and who is this "Labron" that cabinetec speaks of?
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5-21-2009 @ 9:04AM
DANTE fireboy said...
If Lewis and Turk can average 17 to 20 pts a game, Magic will win the series. Without Lebron the Cavs are a confused team. Watch the cavs team when James gets the ball. They just watch him and hope he makes his shots. Hopefully James makes another 50 pts leaving his team with 8 and 12 pts each.
5-21-2009 @ 1:31AM
asalbrechtson said...
The key to this series will be Rafer Altson. Depending on who guards him, he'll have to adjust his game to best help his team. He's an unbelievable passer and can get it up the court faster than anyone on earth. Yet, he still hasn't developed that sense that he sometimes has to go for his shot and take over with his penetration and either that easy tear drop or kick out to his teammates for easy looks.
I predict that if Alston doesn't average 13 points and 7 assists in this series, the Magic will be ousted.
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5-21-2009 @ 3:27AM
Giles said...
It was only a one point difference, it easily could have gone either
way, but a win is still a win. And James passing of to someone else
in the corner for the closer is standard James. I`m fine with it.
The guy gets a good open shot from James drawing the defense, he
should bury it. But the media loves the notion football, basketball,
baseball, soccer, ice hockey, etc., are NOT teams sports, thyet are. That
publicists rule. They don`t. Maybe LeBron should have passed to his
publicist, see if he could drop an advertisement in the hoop. That is
the media`s fault, not LeBron`s. He is a great talent. But the Cavs
have been under using Ilgauskas, Wright, Szcerbiak, Pavlovic, West, all year, and they are not likely to be able to consistently
step up big with that much rust. CleveLand will probably bounce back
next game, so this should definetly be a series, not a sweep for
either team.
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5-21-2009 @ 5:20AM
Dvdfrnzwbr said...
If the Magic keep making every lucky shot they keep pulling out of their asses, no one will beat them. LeBron doesn't have to win a Championship. He is a winner in my book.
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5-21-2009 @ 6:09AM
haomao said...
Whatta game, whatta win. It could go either way until the very last shot at the very last second. I just hope the Eastern series would be as thrilling as the first game!
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5-21-2009 @ 6:12AM
haomao said...
LA Flakers, Cleveland Crabs, Orlando Tragic and Denver McNuggets! You gotta love them!!
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5-21-2009 @ 6:45AM
waassssup unique said...
What A GAME... GO MAGIC...
The orlando team got better players then the CAVS ..
LeBron scored 49 POINTS and still couldnt get his team to WIN.. Dont get me wrong LeBron is AWESOME to watch but hes not SUPERMAN and its gonna take team effort to beat the MAGIC and go on to the FINALS.
LUCKY SHOTS for the MAGIC - I think NOT
The magic wouldnt make it this far if it was LUCK because they came threw EVERY MOMMENT at the RIGHT TIME -
WOW - THEY BEAT THE CAVS AND ENDED THERE STREAK ON THE FIRST GAME ---- HAHAHAHA AGAIN GO MAGIC BABY Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
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5-21-2009 @ 7:10AM
taerodmoon said...
Hey dvd you simply don't understand the game.Now get to work..that fry machine won't clean itself. Magic in six.
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5-21-2009 @ 9:12AM
mybasketballgirl said...
Orlando beat; the crowd,James,the officiating, and everything else that stood in front of them. I was very impressed to see the Magic answer all the adversity. As I watched James get every call, I thought it would be to much for Orlando. Rashard Lewis was unbelievable! The media wants Kobe vs James, Lewis made it clear he won't allow it!
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5-21-2009 @ 9:17AM
dxxy4u said...
I'm sick, I can't even eat. The Cavs LOST. Damn!!! When I saw the Cavs get that big lead at the first of the game, I said to myself, " Please don't let this game be like the Nuggets / Lakers game". When I saw how the Cavs began to handle the ball SLOPPY like the Nuggets, I turned the channel before half time. I knew then the out come. The Cavs should have blown the doors of the Magic. After this season, all of the Cavs bench should be FIRED. LaBron have NO help like Kobe has.
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5-21-2009 @ 10:22AM
dskaalrud5 said...
James is to Cleveland as Garnett was to Minnesota. An all-star guy trying to do it on his own.
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5-21-2009 @ 10:27AM
Pasko said...
Who cares? The NBA is unwatchable.
Reply
5-21-2009 @ 11:57AM
Seville said...
Lebron scores 49 points and was awesome. The fact is that without Lebron, Cleveland is a skill-less lottery team. Coach of the year Mike Davis is a fraud who's only coaching play is "give it to Lebron and "interior men flop on contact". The ref's tried their best to help Cleveland win. 4 of the 6 fouls called on Howard were very questionable. Orlando is a better team and more or equally skillfull at every position except Lebron's. If Howard can continue to dominate the paint and somewhat neutralize Lebron's awesome talent, Orlando will when this series. However,
next game I anticipate seeing more flops and quicker fouls called on Howard.
Reply
5-21-2009 @ 12:04PM
RICK said...
EXCUSE ME MR. SPORTSWRITER BUT LEBRON COULDN'T TAKE THE LAST SHOT, HE WAS IN THE JUMP BALL SCENE, HELLO.IS ANYONE HOME?
Reply
5-21-2009 @ 1:31PM
Michael gifford said...
Ooops! someone forgot to tell the Magic that the Cavs were unbeatable...hmmmm....could be a very interesting series...we'll see.  next, we get to see whether the Lakers have the toughness to take two in a row and keep home court or whether their bipolarity will again put them in the hole
Reply
5-21-2009 @ 2:10PM
lunatic_fo_ever said...
lmao at all of these orlando fans (and idiot lebron bashing laker fans)doubt the cavs. this is ridiculous. firstly pertaining to this post, delonte west had to be ready for the shot. hell, he hit the three pointer to put em up the play before. secondly, i have seen this doubt before.... houston anyone???? this is what everyone was saying about the lakers until they destroyed the rockets. so i really dont buy into this. fact is that the cavs will come back and blow the doors off of orlando in game 2. dwight will get shut down and the cavs will play that hard nose defense in game 2. people don't realise that the cavs were up 15 but that rest they had in between sweeps faultered their conditioning. i will bet anyone here that the cavs dont only win game 2 but win game 3 and 4 also. orlando is a good team but those 3s will catch up to em. they will let games slip like we have seen vs phili, boston and then lebron will catch em slippin and finish the job. to all of the cav doubters, just remember this post and then remember when the magic lose the series. & to the laker fans, you only wish that kobe could go for 49-8-6-3blocks lol kobe was shut down vs houston. pretty clear that lebron wont be shut down by this faulty magic defense. cavs in 6 or 7 thats how i see it.
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