Updates
Sun, May 24th 2009, 23:52
RESILIENT MAGIC BOUNCE BACK TO WIN GAME 3
An Orlando Magic team marked by its resiliency and ability to bounce back from practically anything did it again Sunday night when it quickly forgot LeBron James’ incredible Game 2 winner and gutted out Game 3.
Orlando grabbed a 2-1 series lead with a 99-89 defeat of the Cleveland Cavaliers, a victory the Magic grabbed by matching Cleveland’s tough, physical play inside.
The Magic shot 51 free throws, easily eclipsing the franchise record of free throws in a playoff game.
Orlando got 24 points from center Dwight Howard, 14 of which came from the free throw line in 19 tries. Point guard Rafer Alston had 11 points in the first quarter, and scored 18. Mickael Pietrus continued his strong play off the bench, scoring 16 points and giving James’ fits.
And Rashard Lewis chipped in with 15 points, while Hedo Turkoglu added 13 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists.
It was, Magic coach Stan Van Gundy said, a total team effort.
``It was a very difficult game because both teams were fighting very hard,’’ Van Gundy said. ``It’s just never going to be easy in this series. And when you reach this round, it shouldn’t ever be easy. But it’s a win and one that we’re very glad to have.’’
Van Gundy said all along that the Magic wouldn’t have a hangover from James’ fall-away 3-pointer that won Game 2 at the buzzer. He sarcastically pointed out that games are won on the court and not in the heads of players.
``We were able to overcome the dagger of the other night, how we would respond to LeBron’s shot,’’ Van Gundy said. ``Everything is so psychological with (the media). It’s a basketball game and our guys were ready to play.’’
Owners of a 2-1 lead in the series, the Magic can wonder what would have been had James not drilled that winner last Friday.
Orlando has now beaten the top-seeded Cavs in four of the six meetings this season. It has won seven of 10 times the past two seasons and 10 of 14 times over the last three-plus years against the Cavs.
``All we have to do is come out and play Magic basketball,’’ Howard said. ``We run, move the ball and defend, we can beat anybody.’’
Comments
Kestrel | on 26/5/09
JJ don’t get down, you are amazing and i know i write this a lot but you are, and you deserve in my opinion (from a JJ fan Prospective) a better coach staff. They have yet to realize the talent sitting on there bench and you deserve better. peace and love, kestrel