Story Archive for 06/07/2009

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Lakers' Narrow Win Gives Them 2-0 Lead Over Magic

By Brad James

Published on June 07, 2009 at 09:43PM

LOS ANGELES (AP)—The Los Angeles Lakers went on a key 7-0 run in overtime and outlasted the Orlando Magic, 101-96 to earn a 2-0 lead in the NBA Finals Sunday at STAPLES Center. As the game commenced, the teams traded the lead numerous times but the biggest story was Orlando’s vastly improved play, much of it coming from Rashard Lewis (34 points, 11 rebounds, seven assists) and Hedo Turkoglu (22 points, six boards). Although the Lakers nursed a lead late in the fourth quarter, the Magic had a chance to win in regulation but Courtney Lee’s game-winning layup attempt clanged off the front rim, forcing the extra session. Orlando did manage to take a 91-90 lead in the extra session, but Los Angeles’ key run followed which enabled them to pull out the narrow win and earn a 2-0 lead which is more tenuous than it appears. Dwight Howard added 17 points and 16 boards in the loss for the Magic while the Lakers were led by Kobe Bryant (29 points, eight assists), Pau Gasol (24 points, 10 rebounds) and Lamar Odom (19 points, eight boards). Game 3 will take place Tuesday in Orlando.