Wednesday, May 27, 2009

2009 NBA Playoffs: Game 4 - Orlando Magic 116 Cleveland Cavaliers 114 (OT) (Highlights)

Game 4: Orlando Magic 116 Cleveland Cavaliers 114 (OT)

Analysis: So we are now just one last second Lebron shot from the Cavs being swept in this series. As crazy as that sounds, it really is true. Are the Cavs done? No, they still have a chance to win this series, but it's hard to argue that Orlando is not the better team at this point. The Cavs were even lucky to be in this game. Anytime the opposing team hits 17 threes, the game is usually a blow out, but the Cavs were able to keep this one close somehow. They even shot more free throws than the Magic did, which is why Orlando probably needed so many threes to win. The problem for the Cavs right now is still their defense. They can't stop the Magic and I haven't see one decent adjustment by coach Mike Brown in this series. It looks like for the Cavs to win this series they are either going to have to catch ridiculous fire on the offense end from Lebron plus at least 2 other players or they are going to need help from the refs. My bet is that is doesn't happen, but we shall see.

Key Players of The Game

Rafer Alston: Anytime Rafer Alston shoots 10 of 17 from the floor, including 6 of 12 from three for 26 points, you have to think your team has a great chance to win. I've ragged on Alston before but he has more than adequately filled in for Jameer Nelson in these playoffs and it looks like he's finally figured out what he needs to do to help the Magic win. Who thought the trade for Rafer Alston would be one of the key moves of this NBA season?

Dwight Howard: He still has no low post moves, but I have to give him some props because he has been hitting his free throws down the stretch and coming up big for the Magic. Luckily for him, the Cavs can't guard him either so he can power his way to the basket, so I'm also going to give him props for realizing his advantage. 27 points, 14 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 blocks, and a steal are some big time numbers and should not be overlooked. He may have flaws, but he is doing everything he can to help the Magic win this series.

Rashard Lewis: He's received a ton of criticism over his career for being soft or not a big time player, but he hit another big shot in this one and I think he's been excellent throughout the playoffs. He finished with 17 points on 5 of 9 shooting.

Mickael Pietrus: 5 threes off the bench and 17 points to outscore the Cavs bench all by himself.

Lebron James: Lebron did everything he could to try and lead the Cavs to victory, but he fell short once again. He's still not shooting a high percentage from the foor hitting 13 of 29 shots in this one and the Magic will take that because they want him to work for his points. He finished with 44 points, 12 rebounds, and 7 assists, but also 8 turnovers.

Mo Williams/Delonte West: West was good but Mo still wasn't. West finished with 17 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists, while shooting 7 of 15 from the floor. Mo finished with 18 points, but still shot only 5 of 15 from the floor. The Cavs could have won with this performance if their defense had been better.



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