It took seven games and 14 years before the Orlando Magic finally won a finals game as they squeaked past the Los Angeles Lakers 108-104 in game 3 of the 2009 NBA finals. The Magic are getting better as the series progresses as Rafer Alston finally showed up to play as he went 4 for 4 from the field to score 11 points in the first quarter. The resurrected point guard suddenly gave the Lakers a lot of problems as the rest of the Magic followed suit in putting the Lakers in another tight situation and eventually holding their own in the end game.
Dwight Howard came strong as he sank 11 of 16 free throws and 5 of 6 from the field for 21 points. As if that wasn’t enough Howard also pulled down 14 rebounds and blocked 2 shots. Rashard Lewis and Hedo Turkoglu continued where they left off as he rattled down 21 and 18 points respectively to give the Magic other scoring options. Hedo also dished out 7 assists while Mickael Pietrus came up with 18 points as their total team effort gave them a finals record by sinking 62.5 % of their Field Goals.
Kobe Bryant still scored 31 points while the other Lakers chipped in respectable numbers but was stymied in the endgame. Pau Gasol had 23 points as he was the immovable force this time since he shot 9 out of 11 from the field, unfortunately he just had 3 rebounds. Kobe’s supporting cast still scored in double figures as Trevor Ariza had 13 points, Lamar Odom & Jordan Farmar both dropped 11 markers each while Derek Fisher only had 9 points.
In the game, the Lakers took more shots and had a respectable 51.3 % shooting percentage from the field, but the Magic were far more superior this time. Finally the city has witnessed its first Finals win in more than a decade. The Magic are hoping that their game 3 success will continue in the next few games. Let’s just wait and see.
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