Howard, Magic seize 2-1 series lead over Cavs

The Orlando Magic withstood a 41-point performance from LeBron James to beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 99-89 yesterday and take a two games to one lead in their NBA semi-final series.

Dwight Howard had 24 points in just 28 minutes of playing time for the Magic who would have a 3-0 series lead if not for James' three point buzzer beater in game two.

"We just kept fighting," Howard said. "That's what we do. We fight to the end."

Howard, who sat most of the first half because of foul trouble, went 14-of-19 from the free throw line and had nine rebounds.

Orlando may not have been able to stop James yesterday, but they controlled the rest of the Cavalier players.

Game four is tomorrow and in his dressing room speech immediately following the game, Magic coach Stan Van Gundy told the players keep their celebrations to a minimum.

"Great win, enjoy it tonight, but tomorrow from the moment you get up we have got to go to work. We are going up 3-1 on Tuesday," Van Gundy said.

Rafer Alston added 18 for Orlando in game three of the best-of-seven Eastern Conference final.

"We have got to be able to stop everything to the basket," Howard said. "We will fight next Tuesday and get the job done."

James shot 11-of-26 from the field but he couldn't do it all. He missed five free throws down the stretch.

"Tonight we gave ourselves a chance," said Cleveland coach Mike Brown. "We cut it to four and they just made some pretty good plays to get the win."

Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Delonte West and Mo Williams combined to shoot 13-of-37 from the field.

Williams needed four stitches to close a cut around his left eye.