Eastern Conference Finals - Game 3 Recap

Cleveland Cavaliers 89
Orlando Magic 99
Orlando Leads Series 2-1

Was it really just a week ago that people were debating whether the Cavs would lose a game before the NBA Finals? Amazing what a couple days and some tough matchup problems will do. The Magic are one amazing LeBron three from being up a commanding 3-0 in this series.

The Magic did exactly what I thought they needed to after Game 2. They got off to a much better start and didn't have to spend most of the game trying to chip away at a Cleveland lead. Instead, they were able to play with the lead for most of the game, and kept doing just enough to keep the Cavs about 5-6 points back all game. They kept attacking and got to the free throw line a whopping 51 times (making 39). The Magic didn't shoot the ball particularly well from the field (42%) but they held the Cavs to a postseason-low 37%, including just an 11-for-28 (1-for-8 3pt) night from King James. But LeBron got virtually no help and the Cavs bench contributed all of 4 points.

Meanwhile, Dwight Howard is staying out of foul trouble just long enough to get the Cleveland big men in even worse foul trouble. Howard has been able to dominate down low when he's in there, which is huge for the spacing it creates for guys like Rashard Lewis, Hedo Turkoglu, Mikael Pietrus and Courtney Lee. This creates driving lanes and open looks if the Cavs are forced to throw a double team at Dwight. Unfortunately, Howard has had his own foul problems, but at least he did enough work in 28 minutes to earn his stripes: 24 points, 9 rebs, 14-for-19 at the line. Even more importantly, the Cavs big men (Big Z, Varejao, Ben Wallace, and Joe Smith) combined for 21 points and 18 fouls.

The Cavaliers have a big test at their hands in Game 4 because Orlando now has their confidence regained after Game 2's crushing defeat, the home crowd, and the knowledge that they can play from ahead against this team.