When the 2008-2009 NBA Season was set to begin, the Eastern Conference was looked at by many as a two horse race between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Boston Celtics. The Cavaliers were equipped with the new addition of Mo Williams as well as one of the league’s premiere forces in Lebron James while Boston the team to beat simply because they were the 2008 Champions.

The regular season seemed to go accordingly to script, as both Cleveland and Boston stormed out to illustrious records while showing glimpses of championship potential. Orlando remained under the radar slightly, despite also posting up an impressive record, and many had trouble envisioning Orlando making it past the Eastern Conference Finals built as they were. A mid season injury to the Magic’s star point guard Jameer Nelson only further fueled doubt that the streak shooting team would eventually come up short before smelling the aroma of the Finals.

But for as much as anyone tried to play the role of Nostradamus, the games are ultimately decided by the two teams on the court and that’s why the Magic always had a fighting chance and that’s why they are still standing. Following a few bumps in the road in the first round of the playoffs against Philadelphia, Orlando would go on to win three straight to close out the series, setting up a huge encounter with Boston in the Semifinals.

Despite being without All Star Power Forward Kevin Garnett, Boston was still extremely formidable and they played the Magic very tough. When the smoke had cleared Orlando walked away with a seven games series victory under their cap after pulling away late in the final game.

Despite the early success, nobody, expect for perhaps some Magic faithful, could have imagined just how well the team would go on to play against the perennial favorite Cavaliers. Lead by Lebron James, the leagues’ MVP, Cleveland was considered a sure favorite to be facing Los Angeles come June but once again Orlando showed serious class as a franchise against Cleveland.

From Dwight Howard’s low post dominance, their three point shooting (62 total over six games), and a balanced offensive attack, Orlando was able to bust up Cleveland over six entertaining games. Despite James having a series for the ages, with averages of over 38 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists, the rest of the Cavaliers didn’t come through as expected and instead it was Orlando who wound up victorious. It may have been an upset, but for the Magic it certainly wasn’t unexpected.

The next assignment the Magic have on their dream run to a championship is the Los Angeles Lakers, who are young, deep, ultra-talented at just about all positions, and are proud owners of one of the league’s deadliest closers, Kobe Bryant. Whether the Magic have bitten off more than they can chew is yet to be seen but it’s without question that they have already showed the resiliency, hunger, and determination to make this season one to remember for quite some time.


 (Phelan M. Ebenhack / AP Photo)

The NBA Finals starts this coming Thursday, June 4th at 9 PM/ET on ABC. Don’t miss it…

 

Chris can be reached at www.MySpace.com/BoxingHarmony for all questions