Holy Free Throws: Howard Blows Game Four and Any Hope For the Magic

After dropping Game Two on a missed layup at the buzzer, the Magic returned home for Game Three of the NBA finals. The Magic performed very well and shot an outstanding percentage from the field, managing to just pull out the victory by a margin of 108-104.

That said, the Magic have choked in every other crucial situation during the playoffs. The Lakers' experience is not only showing in the big shots at the end of games, but also in basic game skill and intelligence.

Dwight Howard went to the line in Game Four with a chance to put the game on ice. The Magic, up by three, needed Howard to make one of two free throws to make their lead two possessions.

However, Howard chocked missing both free throws and then on the other end, knowing the Lakers needed a three to tie, Jameer Nelson played defense behind the three-point line and let Derek Fisher make the game tying shot uncontested.

As a Magic fan, it is truly disappointing to see the lack of basketball IQ and losses the Magic have taken in this series. Despite the Game One blowout, the Magic should be headed back to Los Angeles with a 3-1 lead. Instead they will be hoping to make it back next year to the finals because this year is over.

Phil Jackson is one of the toughest coaches—42-0 in playoff series after winning the first game. The Magic could not afford to give games away to the more experienced and, many say, more talented Lakers ball club if they wanted to have any chance for success.

Unbelievable failure to close in the Championship series has cost the Magic their season and dream of a championship barring the biggest comeback ever in NBA history.