Stern, the Cavs let you down: Howard dominant as Magic reach Finals

Orlando Magic past the NBA's hopeful Eastern Conference representative in the Finals, the Cleveland Cavaliers, to reach the championship round for the first time since 1995. (AP Photo/John Raoux)" title="Howard's 40 points lead Magic past Cavaliers, reach Finals" width="366" height="512" />

Dwight Howard was unstoppable, leading his Orlando Magic past the Cleveland Cavaliers to reach the championship round for the first time since 1995. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard probably watched Nike’s bevy of “Most Valuable Muppets” commercials, advertising the NBA’s hope of a Cleveland Cavaliers-Los Angeles Lakers Finals, as motivation before Game six.

If not, he still made sure this commercial wouldn’t spell reality, overpowering LeBron James’ Cavaliers en route to an easy victory that notch the franchise’s first championship appearance since Shaquille O’Neal and Penny Hardaway’s 1995 team.

The beastly center stayed out of foul trouble, which meant Cleveland’s night would be a long and disappointing one. He had his way in the paint, throwing down countless dunks, and flipping in numerous hook shots.

The Cavaliers did not have an answer for his low-post play, nor could they stop his defensive prowess. He finished with 40 points, shooting 14-21 from the field and a staggering 12-16 free-throws. He was their catalyst, and why they won in such a commanding fashion, but their three-point shooting had a say in the outcome as well.

When the Magic hit their three-pointers, they win. It’s as simple as that. So, fittingly, they were on fire once again from deep, nailing 12 three-pointers to jump out to an early lead, and thwart every Cavaliers rally.

Their big, versatile forwards and guards–Mickael Pietrus, Rashard Lewis, and Hedo Turkoglu–gave Cleveland’s small back-court of Delonte West and Mo Williams fits, making them pay for their attention directed towards Howard by knocking down uncovered three-pointers. Pietrus, one of their more important players, was right in the middle of the success from downtown, hitting four three-pointers off the bench, and, of course, made sure to pose after each.

Though Howard led the way, it was amazing to see how Orlando continued to succeed living predominately beyond the three-point line. For any other team, this would have been a recipe for disaster, especially if the opposition climbed back into contention. Not for the Magic, who, instead of shooting themselves out of the game, maintained a double-digit lead.

They hit seven of their three-pointers in the opening two quarters, helping them to a surprising eighteen-point halftime lead. A majority of the plays were the same: Howard received the ball, the defense converged, he drove into the lane, and passed out to the gunners on the wings and in the corners. It was a thing of beauty.

Following Game Five of their series against the Boston Celtics, Howard criticized head coach Stan Van Gundy for his lack of touches. In that game, a loss, their final of the series, he scored only 12 points, and took ten shots and three free-throws.

Van Gundy took his frustration to heart, and Howard has rewarded his coach’s trust ever since. This commanding performance was the capper. It not only forced commissioner David Stern’s NBA to adapt to Plan B and take those terrible commercials off the air, but set up a finals matchup the Magic, with the combination of Howard and their arsenal of three-point specialists, can win.