Associated Press – May 31, 2009 1:03 AM ET It’s Magic vs.
Lakers in NBA Finals ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) – So much for that LeBron vs. Kobe matchup in the NBA Finals. The Orlando Magic have thrown a monkey wrench into those plans by upsetting the Cleveland Cavaliers and are heading to the NBA Finals for the second time in franchise history, and first since 1995. Dwight Howard led the Magic to a 103-90 victory in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals. Howard had six dunks in providing a powerful inside presence with 40 points and 14 rebounds in driving the Magic to the NBA championship. Rashard Lewis added 18. The Magic made 12 3-pointers in leading all the way. LeBron James had his worst game of the series at the worst time for the Cavs. James did score 25 but it came on just 8 of 20 shooting. The Cavaliers’ loss continues decades of title frustration in Cleveland. No Cleveland-based team has won a major sports title in 45 years despite the Cavs having the best regular-season record this season.
The Magic will meet the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Finals. The Lakers eliminated the Nuggets in six games Friday night. Orlando won both regular-season meetings against the Lakers.