Lakers Move Closer to Another Title

The Los Angeles Lakers moved another step closer to what is looking more and more inevitable – another championship – by beating the Orlando Magic, 101-96, in overtime to take a 2-0 lead in this best-of-seven NBA Finals.

The Lakers' victory Sunday put a likely stranglehold on the series. Teams that have started the NBA Finals with a 2-0 lead have won 38 of 39 times.

The Magic won earlier rounds against Philadelphia and Boston after falling behind, but the Lakers look like too much to handle, playing with an obvious urgency and determination.

L.A. Lakers vs. Orlando Magic
Lakers 101, Magic 96: Recap | Box Score
Blackistone: Magic Prove They Don't Belong
Mariotti: When Lee Missed, Magic Lost Series
Lakers Lead 2-0 | Next: Tues. @ Orlando, 9 PM ET

The NBA Finals move to Orlando for Games 3, 4 and possibly 5, offering the Magic some hope but not unless they find a way to play with a consistency they lacked in the first two games.

"There won't be a letdown now,'' said Lakers star Kobe Bryant, who had 29 points and eight assists. "We know how to play close games. We did a good job down the stretch tonight. We blew a lot of assignments, but we still managed a win.''

The Magic played better in Game 2 than they did in Game 1, but it still wasn't good enough against a team that is filled with much-more big game experience. And it showed again.

Bryant was the leader, but it was the front court of Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom that bothered the Magic more than anything in Game 2. They scored at one end, then took the Magic out of their offense at the other end.

The Magic had the wrong people taking the key shots down the stretch. Instead of putting the ball in the hands of Rashard Lewis, Hedo Turkoglu or Dwight Howard, it was rookie Courtney Lee or J.J. Redick taking and missing shots at the end.

Turkoglu, whose forte never has been on the defensive end, blocked Bryant's 12-foot jumper from behind with :01 remaining in regulation. After a quick time out, they had 0.6 remaining for an in-bounds alley-oop, but Lee missed a close one at the buzzer. Redick missed a pair of 3-pointers in overtime and committed a key turnover.

Latest NBA Finals Photos

LOS ANGELES - JUNE 7: Courtney Lee #11 of the Orlando Magic goes up for the shot at the end of the fourth quarter against Pau Gasol #16 of the Los Angeles Lakers during Game Two of the 2009 NBA Finals at Staples Center on June 7, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Courtney Lee;Pau Gasol

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LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 07: Singer Rihanna gives a hug as she attends Game Two of the 2009 NBA Finals between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Orlando Magic at Staples Center on June 7, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Rihanna

Getty Images

LOS ANGELES - JUNE 7: Hedo Turkoglu #16 of the Orlando Magic shoots against Pau Gasol #16 of the Los Angeles Lakers during Game Two of the 2009 NBA Finals at Staples Center on June 7, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Hedo Turkoglu;Pau Gasol

NBAE/Getty Images

LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 07: Head coach Phil Jackson of the Los Angeles Lakers smiles as he stands with Derek Fisher #2 in overtime against the Orlando Magic in Game Two of the 2009 NBA Finals at Staples Center on June 7, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Liscense Agreement. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Phil Jackson;Derek Fisher

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LOS ANGELES - JUNE 7: J.J. Redick #7 of the Orlando Magic passes against Pau Gasol #16 of the Los Angeles Lakers during Game Two of the 2009 NBA Finals at Staples Center on June 7, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** J.J. Redick;Pau Gasol

NBAE/Getty Images

LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 07: Rashard Lewis #9 and J.J. Redick #7 of the Orlando Magic look on after losing to the Los Angeles Lakers 101-96 in Game Two of the 2009 NBA Finals at Staples Center on June 7, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Rashard Lewis;J.J. Redick

Getty Images

LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 07: (L-R) Lamar Odom #7 and Pau Gasol #16 of the Los Angeles Lakers go up for a rebound against the Orlando Magic in Game Two of the 2009 NBA Finals at Staples Center on June 7, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Lamar Odom;Pau Gasol

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LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 7: Singer Rihanna (C) attends Game Two of the NBA Finals between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Orlando Magic at Staples Center on June 7, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Noel Vasquez/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Rihanna

Getty Images

LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 07: Dwight Howard #12 of the Orlando Magic boxes out Pau Gasol #16 of the Los Angeles Lakers in overtime of Game Two of the 2009 NBA Finals at Staples Center on June 7, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Dwight Howard;Pau Gasol

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LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 07: Pau Gasol #16 of the Los Angeles Lakers is fouled by Hedo Turkoglu #15 of the Orlando Magic in overtime of Game Two of the 2009 NBA Finals at Staples Center on June 7, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Pau Gasol;Hedo Turkoglu

Getty Images

It was Lee, in his first playoff run, who also missed a shot with :09 remaining in regulation that could have won the game.

After both of them struggled in Game 1, Lewis came alive in the second quarter with 18 points. Turkoglu waited until the third when he scored 17, giving the Magic a 65-63 lead going into the final period. They finished with 34 and 22 points, respectively, but they struggled to get shots when it counted most.

The Magic countered the Lakers size with an unusual lineup for parts of the game, using backup center Marcin Gortat alongside Howard.

The Magic didn't get their first fast-break basket of the Finals until early in the third quarter of Game 2. Howard didn't get his first dunk of the Finals until a few minutes later.

Lakers center Andrew Bynum found himself in his typical spot – foul trouble. He got his fourth early in the third period, but it was a blessing for the Lakers because that meant Odom would play more.

Odom was huge for the Lakers, coming off the bench quickly with Bynum in foul trouble. He stole a sure layup away from Redick in the second quarter and did the same to Rafer Alston in the third with blocked shots.

Odom hit eight of nine shots for 19 points. Gasol had 24 points and 10 rebounds.

The two teams set a Finals record for futility by combining for just 30 points (15-15) in the first quarter, fewest in the shot-clock era.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)

6-07-2009 @ 11:56PM

klovetim said...

The Magic were ripped off when the Laker defender goaltended on the last shot in regulation. His hand was in the basket holding onto the rim plus his hand on on thine. Also, Kove was given two fouls where he did nothing but flop. There were no fouls. I thought a great player like him didn't need to act to try and beg for a call. The Magic will be back in Orlando and they will win three straight.

6-08-2009 @ 12:03AM

animar5 said...

Even if that were true (not probable though) it takes FOUR to win the championship!!!!! GO LAKERS!!!

6-08-2009 @ 3:55AM

Bryan said...

If you want to count "goaltends" then what about the one where howard stuck his hand through the hoop to block the shot.

if that counted then the lakers would have been up 90 to 88 and it would have never gone to overtime.

Quit complaining, your team lost.

good luck with that winning 3 straight thing though. that totally sounds achievable against the best road team in the NBA

6-08-2009 @ 5:41AM

eprottman said...

ripped off, why didn't lee just close with a brilliant play call. U would need no excuse if one fundamental play went down.

6-08-2009 @ 1:57PM

boldest15207 said...

keep dreaming there wasnt a goaltending violation .how about the one the refs missed when howard stuck his hand in the rim to block gasols shot.better luck next year magic.lol

6-13-2009 @ 1:54AM

lopjackie21 said...

Get over it buddy!
Lakers won that game !
So, hahaha~

6-08-2009 @ 12:04AM

rk68 said...

Very tough loss... :( The Magic looked a LOT better than the first time around BUT I'm not sure if their best will be good enough in the following games. Winning 4 of the next 5 against this Lakers team is a lot... TOO MUCH in my opinion. BUT I'll try to stay positive..

6-08-2009 @ 12:55AM

Giles said...

The Magic are certainly in tough now. Lewis was the real player of the game, not Bryant, but his team lost, 13 to 8 in OT, and that is what really matters. The Magic are going to have to win every game at home, and one in LA, or if the give up a game, maybe game 4, will have to win both in LA. Both scenarios are doable, but unlikely. So, will Bryant, as was speculated last time he was a free agent, sign to play for his supposed childhood idol in Italy, D`Antonni, with the Knicks? Or to pal with Josh Howard of the Mavs? Or to start ahead of Battier, with Artest, on the Rockets? Or maybe to make a two man team of CleveLand, with James? Will O`Neal be traded wherever Bryant signs? Odom is a free agent. In this economic depression, does some team want to pay him starter`s money? Would he become a starting forward(-center) for Houston or CleveLand, or a reserve forward(-center) for the Knicks or Dallas? Will Phil(ly) Jackson coach in the NBA next year? To be clear, Bynum was generally on the bench in foul trouble, Gortat was a help in countering the size of Odom, who is a finesse player, but, at 6`10, not small.

6-08-2009 @ 2:07AM

jmgair said...

Hey klovetim, I guess you missed the dunk by Gasol that Howard blocked with his hand inside the rim, huh ? Now that was a goal tend and if it were called then there would not have been an overtime because those 2 points would have been on the board. Your Magic might win one at home if the refs give em one. At least the Magic players do not have to go far after they lose because Disney World is right there for them.

6-08-2009 @ 2:25AM

pitjaws21 said...

HAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHA!!!!! Kobe is gettin his 4th Ring ladies and Laker Haters, Orlando had its chances to win rings but guess what? They Traded SHAQ.... Sorry Dwight but the Diesel was the only hope for that city!

6-08-2009 @ 3:14AM

omarr6 said...

Hey "KG" .... Go cry somewhere else. You won your championship by the refs handing it to you. Go fishing and enjoy your summer and your one and done paper championship. Your Cets are not going to be doing crap for years to come

6-08-2009 @ 11:26AM

crowbearcottage said...

Still bitter over last year's finals? GET OVER IT!!!!!!

6-08-2009 @ 7:07AM

bobbyhustles said...

#1. Kevin Garnett ruined the chance for a second ring

#2. Lebron unselfishness ruined his oppurtunity for his 1st ring

#3. Dwight Howard is to soft for a dude his size, he needs to work on his lost post move with authority

#4. Jameer Nelson is still hurt and his playing time has pissed off Rafer Alston

#5. JJ Redick has the typical Duke curse, can shoot from anywhere on the court in college, but can hit the side of a barn in the NBA

#6. I hate Kobe but dude will be getting his 4th ring( it absolutely kills me to say that)

6-08-2009 @ 7:53AM

billstrait2 said...

go lakers go dodgers

6-08-2009 @ 7:56AM

Bob McCallister said...

BORING, this series is terrible.

6-08-2009 @ 9:50AM

bigswfty58 said...

NO WONDER DWIGHT HOWARD IS SUCH GREAT DEFENDER,HE GOT AWAY WITH GOALTENDING IN THE BEGINNING OF THE GAME. IF THE LAKERS HAD GOT THAT CALL THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN A OVERTIME. GO LAKERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

6-08-2009 @ 9:53AM

Bob said...

The Lakers and the Magic are just Lucky the Kings didn't make the play offs.

6-08-2009 @ 10:57AM

xxdookie1954xx said...

If the Lakers do in fact win this 2nd rate finals it's only because the best team the Celtics were hurt.Enjoy it while you can LA is for losers,look around you nobody else cares about LA.