The Orlando Magic won game 3 99-89 and took a 2-1 lead in the physical NBA Eastern Conference Finals.
The Cleveland Cavs' LeBron James scored 41 points, but it wasn't enough as the Magic played a smarter game and did not allow for any late heroics as we saw in Game 2. If not for James' 23 footer in game 2, this would be a 3-0 series and people would be shocked. But the Magic match up well with Cleveland. They have a well-rounded team, with guys contributing points. Alston and Pietrus played well. And, Hedo Turkelu had double figures despite only making 1 shot from the field. Free-throws were the difference in this game, and Dwight Howard made 14 from the charity stripe, his high for the Playoffs.
When Michael Jordan first made a splash and was "the man", his team, the Chicago Bulls didn't win Conference Titles, nor NBA titles. The Bulls built a team around him. Was the Bulls supporting cast back then better than the Cavs' current team? Well, Chicago had Scottie Pippen. Enough said. Pippen emerged as a great player in his own right. He played great defense with Jordan, and ignited their transition team. Cleveland has some good players, Mo Williams, Delonte West, but they aren't anywhere close to Pippen. The Bulls also had guys who could flat out knock down an open shot. John Paxon, B.J. Armstrong, Steve Kerr. They were nearly automatic. Cleveland doesn't have a player like that.
It wasn't just MJ, the Bulls had a great team. So, when you listen to all the hype about Cleveland, know that's what it is, a lot of hot air. James' shot bailed out a skittish Cavs team playing on the big stage. If they want to advance they better grow up in a hurry.
