In 46 minutes, James scored 37 points, grabbed 14 rebounds and dished out 12 assists. He finished 11-for-24 from the field and 15-for-19 from the free throw line.

LeBron James was King James in Game 5 (Image: Newscom)

For once, the Chosen One actually got some help. Mo Williams had 24 points and hit 7-of-14 shots from the field, including 6-of-9 three-pointers. Zydrunas Ilgauskas had 16 points, while Delonte West chipped in 13 points.

The Magic can’t be too disappointed in their play. Early on, they fell into a 22-point whole but they battled all the way back and even took control of the game in the third quarter. It took a heroic effort by James to extend the series to Game 6.

Dwight Howard was again a monster in the middle, totaling 24 points, ten rebounds and two assists despite fouling out in 37 minutes. Hedo Turkoglu led the Magic in scoring with 29, while Rashard Lewis scored 15.

Game 6 will be played in Orlando on Saturday. Considering that Game 7 is in Cleveland, the pressure shifts to the Magic to slam the door on King James and the Cavs.

Post from: EveryJoe

LeBron James Keeps Cavs Alive in Game 5

Orlando has superstar Dwight “Superman” Howard in the middle and great shooters surrounding him. That said, the Cavaliers are simply the better team. Here are five reasons why the Cavs are going to win this series in five games and advance to the 2009 NBA Finals:

5) Defense Wins
The Magic are a good defensive team. The Cavs are a great defensive team. The greatness will prevail.

4) Dwight Howard Isn’t Ready
Dwight Howard is already a great player but he still needs a few more years before he’s ready to lead a team to a championship.

3) Cavaliers Have Experience
The Cavs have been here before. They’ve gone through playoff battles and even made it to the NBA Finals in 2007.

2) Jameer Nelson’s Injury
The Magic have done a good job of making up for Jameer Nelson’s injury, however missing their All-Star point guard will come back to haunt them this series.

1) LeBron James
The King is the best basketball player on the planet. Period. LeBron James isn’t ready to see the Cavs’ season end.

LeBron James will Carry the Cavs to the Finals (Image: Newscom)

Post from: EveryJoe

Cavaliers vs Magic Prediction – ECF Preview