EgyptSaidSo.com

Last night in a virtual must win situation the Orlando Magic shot a NBA Finals record 75% in the 1^st half en route to a 108-104 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. Orlando controlled the action in the 1^st half and when they cooled off slightly in the 2^nd half the Lakers could never capitalize.  Rafer Alston had a huge game after shooting 18% in the 1^st two games and Dwight Howard stepped up big time after a terrible game 2 with 21 points, 14 rebounds, but most importantly only 1 turnover.

Kobe Bryant had a great 1^st half to keep them in the game, but had a bad 2^nd half.  When the Lakers got into striking distance in the last 6 minutes of the game Bryant forced shots & turned the ball over leading directly to the loss.  Pau Gasol had 23 points on 9-11 shooting.  On a night where he played so well he should have gotten closer to 20-25 shots.

This was not going to be a sweep so I’m not surprised Orlando won.  Game 4 is Thursday & the Lakers will win before finishing things on Sunday in game 5.  Orlando will NOT shoot 63% again this series, and Kobe will be better in crunch time.

Submitted by: Tyrone

Photo via NBA.com