Video courtesy of NBA.com
The 24-second shot clock has been fixed. The Cleveland Cavaliers are next on the repairs-to-do list.
The Orlando Magic caused some extensive collateral damage with their stunning win in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals.
They exposed Cleveland’s depth, shredded its defense, snatched home-court advantage and put the NBA’s top-seeded team in an unfamiliar position—behind in a series and desperate for a win heading into Game 2 on Friday night.
“We’re looking at it as a must win,” MVP LeBron James(notes) said before practice on Thursday.
“It’s obvious,” Cavs guard Mo Williams(notes) said, echoing the must-win sentiment. “My grandma knows that. Yeah, it’s a must win. Hell yeah.”
Behind a torrent of clutch 3-pointers—the winner by Rashard Lewis(notes) with 14.7 seconds left—and Dwight Howard’s(notes) broad shoulders, the Magic muscled their way into Cleveland’s noisy arena and rallied for a stunning 107-106 victory that may have altered the perception that the Cavaliers are the team to beat in the postseason.
This is no smoke-and-mirrors Magic act. Orlando is the real deal.
The Cavs are supposed to be the real deal, and they better resume that form tonight or they could be in real trouble!
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