Lakers beat Magic in game 4, takes a commanding 3-1 lead
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Orlando Magic in game 4 of their 2009 NBA Finals series, to take a commanding 3-1 lead. The Lakers needed two triples from their old reliable point guard Derek Fisher to seal the game.
With 4.6 seconds remaining in the game, Fisher hit his first triple to tie the game at 87-87 that forced the game into overtime. Fisher hit his second triple in the dying seconds of the extra period that game them the 3-point lead at 94-91.
It was the first time since 1984, when Lakers lead by Magic Johnson and the Celtics lead by Larry Bird, that two games in a finals series have gone to overtime
Kobe Bryant lead the Lakers with 32 points, dishing out 8 assists and grabbing 7 rebounds. Trevor Ariza and Pau Gasol each added 16 points for the Lakers. Ariza scored 13 points in the Lakers’ 30-point output in the 2nd quarter.
With still 4.6 seconds remaining the regular period, the Orlando Magic had the chance to win the game. The inbound pass landed on Mickael Peitrus, but his long and contested shot was way off the basket.
Dwight Howard had 16 points, 21 rebounds and a finals-record nine blocks. But he made just 6 of 14 foul shots. Before Fisher made his game tying 3-pointer, Howard missed two free throws that could have given the Magic a 5-point lead.
Unless the Magic can force a Game 6, and go back the LA’s homecourt, they will remember this as another finals game that got away.
The Los Angeles Lakers will have the chance to wrap it up in their next meeting on Sunday in Game 5 and become the NBA’s champion once again. The win will give the Lakers its 15th championship overall.
Watch the Lakers vs Magic game 4 highlight video below.
