Cavs get first taste of adversity
CLEVELAND (AP) – 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 Friday night.
“We’re looking at it as a must win,” MVP LeBron James said before practice Thursday.
“It’s obvious,” Cavs guard Mo Williams said, echoing the must-win sentiment. “My grandma knows that. Yeah, it’s a must win. Hell yeah.”
Behind a torrent of clutch three-pointers – the winner by Rashard Lewis with 14.7 seconds left – and Dwight Howard’s 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.
Howard set the tone by busting one of the shot clocks with a vicious dunk in the opening minutes.
After Thursday’s practice, Howard, standing near the same basket, was asked if he was done breaking things.
“No,” he said, flashing a smile. “Not yet.”
Despite the win, the Magic, who beat Philadelphia in the opening round and eliminated the defending champion Boston Celtics in the conference semis, feel as if they’re not being given a chance to win this series and advance to the finals for the first time since 1995.