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ORLANDO, Fla. (AP)—Overlooked and begging for respect all season, the Orlando Magic can no longer be ignored. After 14 frustrating years, they’ve returned to the NBA finals.

Dwight Howard dominated inside for 40 points, Rashard Lewis added 18 and the Magic, a team that can make 3-pointers drop from thin air, hit 12 in a 103-90 victory over LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals on Saturday night.

The Magic will be making their first finals appearance since 1995, one year before Shaquille O’Neal bolted as a free agent for Los Angeles, leaving this Florida franchise in ruins.

It’s been a long, slow climb back, but Orlando has been rebuilt and will meet the Lakers on Thursday night at the Staples Center in Game 1. Read more…

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP)—Dwight Howard scored 10 points in overtime and the Orlando Magic a last-second shot by LeBron James for a 116-114 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday night to take a 3-1 lead in the Eastern Conference finals.

Howard scored 27 points and grab 14 rebounds, Rafer Alston added 26 points and Rashard Lewis and Mickael Pietrus had 17 each for the Magic.

Orlando can earn its first trip to the NBA finals since 1995 with a win in Game 5 on Thursday night in Cleveland.

King James was spectacular again, scoring 44 points and grabbing 12 rebounds and seven assists, but he had eight turnovers for the Cavs, whose season of seasons is slipping away.

After Lewis made one of two free throws with 3.2 seconds left to give the Magic the 116-114 lead, the Cavs had one final chance. Everone knew who will get the ball for the next Cavs possession. Read more…