Magic Closing Book on Cavs

ORLANDO -- The wonderfully-hyped, LeBron James Magical Ride to the NBA Finals is on life support now. His box of miracles may be empty.

The Orlando Magic have too many weapons to overcome. The 3-point shower is coming from all sides.

The Magic took an almost insurmountable 3-1 lead in the Eastern Conference finals with a 116-114 overtime victory Tuesday night. The series resumes Thursday in Cleveland, but the prospects are not good for the Cavaliers.

In NBA conference final history, there have been 47 times in which one team has led a series 3-1. The team with the lead has prevailed in 44 of them. For Cleveland, it's only a matter of time now.

Magic 116, Cavaliers 114: Box Score | Howard Close to Suspension
Magic Lead 3-1 | Next Game: Thursday @ Cleveland, 8:30 PM ET

"We've got to have the killer instinct if we want to win a championship," said Magic center Dwight Howard. "We're not done yet. We've got to finish it.''

While James had another brilliant game -- 44 points and 12 rebounds – he was a facing a myriad of scorers on the other side. As good as he is, it's like fighting off an army.

"The only thing we're thinking about now is Game 5," said Cavs coach Mike Brown. "That's the only thing that matters, the next game."

It was James who won Game 2 with an dramatic buzzer-beating 3-pointer, but this time he was too far away, launching another heave from almost half-court that barely missed its mark at the buzzer.

Howard closed the deal with 10 of his 27 points in overtime. He also blocked a James layup with :16 remaining. But throughout the game, it was others who were hurting him. Rafer Alston had a playoff career high 26 points, including six 3-pointers. Mickael Pietrus had 17 in a reserve role, including five 3-pointers.

Rashard Lewis had 17 points, including a huge 3-pointer near the end of regulation. Hedo Turkoglu had 15 and a pair of 3-pointers.

Latest NBA Images

Orlando Magic's Dwight Howard reacts as the Magic defeat the Cleveland Cavaliers 116-114 in overtime during Game 4 of the NBA Eastern Conference basketball finals Tuesday, May 26, 2009, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan Ebenhack)

Orlando Magic's Dwight Howard celebrates his dunk in overtime during play against the Cleveland Cavaliers during Game 4 of their Eastern Conference Finals NBA basketball playoff series in Orlando, Florida, May 26, 2009. REUTERS/Kevin Kolczynski (UNITED STATES SPORT BASKETBALL)

Reuters

Orlando Magic's Dwight Howard, right, goes to the basket against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half of Game 4 in the NBA Eastern Conference basketball finals Tuesday May 26, 2009, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris Livingston, Pool)

Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James crashes into Orlando Magic's Dwight Howard (12) during the first half of Game 4 in the NBA Eastern Conference basketball finals Tuesday, May 26, 2009, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan Ebenhack)

Cleveland Cavaliers' Lebron James (L) is fouled by Orlando Magic's Dwight Howard in the fourth quarter during Game 4 of their Eastern Conference finals NBA basketball playoff series in Orlando, Florida May 26, 2009. REUTERS/Kevin Kolczynski (UNITED STATES SPORT BASKETBALL IMAGES OF THE DAY)

Reuters

Orlando Magic forward Hedo Turkoglu tries to defend Cleveland Cavaliers LeBron James in the third quarter during Game 4 of the NBA Eastern Conference finals at Amway Arena in Orlando, Florida, Tuesday, May 26, 2009. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel/MCT)

MCT

ORLANDO, FL - MAY 26: Mickael Pietrus #20 of the Orlando Magic shoots against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Finals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at the Amway Arena on May 26, 2009 in Orlando, Florida. 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 *** Mickael Pietrus

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ORLANDO, FL - MAY 26: Dwight Howard #12 of the Orlando Magic reacts to a call while playing against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the fourth quarter of Game Four of the Eastern Conference Finals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at the Amway Arena on May 26, 2009 in Orlando, Florida. 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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ORLANDO, FL - MAY 26: Rafer Alston #1 of the Orlando Magic passes the ball against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Finals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at the Amway Arena on May 26, 2009 in Orlando, Florida. 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 *** Rafer Alston

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In the three Cavs losses, James has scored 49, 41 and 44 points, proving again that the One Man Show can't overcome better balance. The Magic launched an amazing 38 3-pointers, making 17.

The game went into overtime when Turkoglu's desperation in-bound lob to Howard at the buzzer failed to connect. Howard and Cleveland's Anderson Varejao went down in a heap as they jockeyed for position.

James tied the game with .5 in regulation when he hit a pair of free throws after being fouled on his final drive. Lewis, who struggled for much of the game, had hit a 3-pointer with 4.1 seconds remaining for the 100-98 lead.

The Magic led, 96-90, but they struggled to score in the closing few minutes of regulation, missing too many shots from long range.

Howard was called for a technical foul in the third quarter when he drove and dunked, despite being wrapped up by Varejao. Howard was called for glaring at Varejao after the play. It was Howard's sixth technical of the postseason, one short of triggering an automatic one-game suspension.

The Magic are expected to appeal that technical to the NBA office.

Alston scored the Magic's first 10 points of the second half. He had 15 in the period, yet the Cavs still led 79-78 when the fourth quarter began.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)

5-27-2009 @ 12:47AM

lvchez1 said...

The refs are making sure that the money i gave them to put denver and orlando in the finals is money well spent. I love the fact that the cavs and lakers are not getting all the calls they are used too.

5-27-2009 @ 1:08AM

Michael gifford said...

yup...the network and advertisers nightmare is on the way...the lowest ratings of NBA history when Nuggets play Magic...

5-27-2009 @ 1:17AM

ladywindime said...

There is no doubt that the Magic are beating the Cavaliers!

THE MAIN THING IS THAT THE MAGIC HAVE 5 AMAZING PLAYERS!

The Cavs have 8 players... the extra 3 change every game and wear different uniforms..but the refs are clearly part of the Cavs team!
If the Cavs get behind, the refs call a few fouls for LeBron falling on the floor or someone being too close to him. IF the calls were the same on both ends, no one would be able to remember who LeBron and the Cavs were...

Bring on the West and go Magic!!!

Does the NBA ever review any of this? It seems they want a final with Kobe and Lebron so much that fair and even is not any consideration... Could we petition the NBA or something? This is outrageous!!!

5-27-2009 @ 6:42AM

sg4146 said...

I don't know what game your watching but the Magic went to the line 55 times in game 3 campared to the Cavs 31.

5-27-2009 @ 11:31AM

Danny said...

Exactly what I was thinking last night watching all those BS calls and the refs not even batting an eye at them. If that was James going up for a tip in with .5 seconds left and someone else tied him up the way Varejao did you know that whistle would've blown quickly. But since it's not the team they want in the finals, they seem to be trying everything they can to give Lebron a fighting chance. They should call the game the same on both sides and then maybe you wouldn't be coming down to these last second plays. I really hope the NBA has enough intergrity to review some of these calls and look into game fixing, unless the NBA is the Problem.

5-27-2009 @ 1:20AM

imshortyk said...

lvchez . . . are you watching the same games I am? I can't say much about the Lakers/Nuggets games, but man, it's almost disgraceful how many calls LeBron gets in comparison to the ENTIRE Magic team. The league is trying SO hard to get the Cavs past the Magic but it's just not going to happen.

5-27-2009 @ 1:40AM

Giles said...

Young Mr. James shots 34.4% from 3 pit. range. That may seem pretty good, until you realize, the average opponent of the Cavs shoots 34.7%. So James is a slightly below average 3 pt. shooter. He is even worse from the FT line. He shoots 74.8% from the FT line, compared with 76.6% for the average FT shooter against the Cavs. Tonight, the Cavs at the close felt they had to play James at power forward, 6`3 Daniel Gibson and 6`3 Delonte West on the wings, because they felt James, Szczerbiak (a former all star), and Pavlovic, weren`t good enough to play together. And part of that was they felt James was just not good enough on the periemter to play wing guard or wing forward. Just too little size. So let`s flush all this hype about how great a 24 year old kid who hasn`t won anything is supposed to be, how he is supposed to be the best ever, and just let the guys play ball and see what happens. Isn`t that what the games are supposed to be for?

5-27-2009 @ 9:46PM

vandervoorts said...

hey dumb ass, 3 point shooting IS NOT a leading indicator as to how good a player is. You may want to look at the overall numbers. I'm pretty sure James is shooting over 50% for the series with good rebound and assists numbers. Let's get real he is the best player in the game, period. His supporting cast is the issue. Do your homework and when you post your numbers, show the truth. Orlando is a matchup nightmare for the cavs but 3 of the 4 games could have gone either way.

5-27-2009 @ 1:44AM

herotwou2 said...

i agree TOTALLY with imshortyk it is just silly how BAD the REFS are in the games i see it is another Jordan era with Kobe and LeBron Just call after call! I cannot believe how long the games are lasting EITHER!! its just silly almost cartoon like

5-27-2009 @ 1:57AM

mantaent said...

Giles, it is clear you are a hater. The man isn't getting any help. They want shooters around James so if they double they have other players that can hit a jumper. You failed to mention he is averaging 42 points a game with 7 rebounds and 7 assists and shooting over 50 percent.

5-27-2009 @ 2:17AM

James said...

Ivchez1....you're joking right? Lebron gets more calls in his favor than any player in the NBA, followed closely by Kobe. This series should be over 4-0 Orlando. I a basketball fan, not an Orlando fan or Cavs fan, just a fan....but when Lebron lowers his shoulder, drives into the paint knocking players over....and HE goes to the free throw line!! What a joke. The officials are trying their best to make a Cavs vs LA finals. That's where the money is at. Problem is, Orlando has a great team. Maybe the refs will be able to fix the next 3 games in the Cavs favor...but it's the Cavs that get these calls from the refs, not Orlando.

5-27-2009 @ 2:50AM

Didn`t say James didn`t deserve the mvp award, said he isn`t a perimeter player yet. And yes, he had another mvp game. Lots of mvps are interior plays. It is the norm. But the point remains, Varajao or Wallace could have taken care of the interior, but coach hid him at power forward because he can`t take care of the perimeter. He prefered a 6`3 reserve, Gibson, on the wing, at small forward, because he was better on the perimeter than James, at his all star position, despite Gibson`s lack of size.

5-27-2009 @ 3:21AM

Are you people crazy? I am from las vegas, i am not betting on the favorites. And please, Dwight Howard has thrown more elbows in this series than there is in a thai kick boxing match. The magic are getting the non calls I like, heck even the nba took away the flag one call on johnson when opened up mo williams. love it. go david stern.

5-27-2009 @ 3:23AM

Lakergregg said...

"YEAH!,YOU'RE ALL WRONG!"
The refs in the Cleveland versus Orlando series are clearly on LeBron's side.
The refereeing in the Lakers versus Denver series just plain sucks.

5-27-2009 @ 3:28AM

tpro24w said...

Are some of you guys kidding? Yes, it is obvious to everyone that the refs,league office, whatever are doing any and everything they can to get LeBron into the finals. Amazingly, Orlando has done an outstanding job in keeping their poise in the midst of all of these ludicrous calls that they have been subjected to. But why in the heck are people bringing Kobe and the Lakers into this? In my opinion watching the Lakers-Nuggets series has been also profoundly lopsided, but suprisingly in the favor of Denver without question. Denver has played harder in this series and there is something to be said for that; however, the Lakers really cannot do ANYTHING without being called for a foul, while Laker players are consistently held, bear hugged, and bulldozed into underneath by Denver. Luke Walton practically fouled out of the last game once he walked out onto the court with 6 rediculous off the ball, touch fouls that had no impact on the plays. Chauncey Billups can constantly initiate contact and draw fouls, NeNe and Birdman can live in the lane, Melo can take 3 steps with the ball and impale anyone who gets in his way, the players in Blue can run through a jump ball and tackle a player when he gets the jump ball, and I do not even have to say anything about Dahntay Jones. Unreal.

5-27-2009 @ 3:40AM

Sonny Ward said...

James, you say you're a basketball fan, but you seem to not understand the concept of charging vs. blocking. LeBron goes to the line because people don't get their feet set when he "plows" them over. Everyone on these boards whine and complain about LeBron, Kobe, and Jordan, but the truth of the matter is, they are/were the best at driving the lane. It's not their faults that people can't/couldn't stop them.

5-27-2009 @ 5:29AM

gene6500 said...

refs in the past have been forced to try to get particular teams in the finals its a fact but here orlando is that much better that they cant do it

5-27-2009 @ 5:50AM

nealvs said...

The refs have been HORRIBLE in the Cavs/Magic series!! My brother refuses to watch NBA because it is political & commercial. I am beginning to agree with him. It ain't about the sport. like March madness. The refs apparently have been given their script by NBA Inc. and the Networks.

5-27-2009 @ 6:28AM

orlfrd said...

LeTravel blew it. He was annointed the Holy one. The Ref.s gave him every break. They bailed him out on every terrible out of control move he made. They gave Mo Williams about 10 make-up calls for getting a scratch on his nose the last game. And still they came up short.

Why doesn't anyone talk about the "real" young players who are maturing and turning into legitimate contenders instead of this media concocted superhero who can't get it done.

What about Melo and Howard. They are playing at an incredible level and have been for several years. And, they keep getting better. And, thier teammates aren't folding when it gets into crunch time because they've learned to be leaders.

Who cares about "LeTraveling" and "Kobe The Rapist" anyway.

I want to watch the players who do thier talking on the court, not in commercials.