Los Angeles Lakers: A look back at the 2009 NBA Finals
By Jamaal Artis
To overtime we go
Games two and four went to overtime, which was the first time since 1984 that there were two overtime games in an NBA Finals series. The Lakers won both games, giving the Lakers a two-game lead for the series each time.
In Game 2 the Lakers almost lost the game in regulation, with the score tied and with possession, Kobe Bryant had his shot blocked and the Magic retained possession with 0.6 seconds on the clock. On the inbound play, Courtney Lee had his layup just roll off the rim to send it to overtime.
In OT the Lakers outscored the Magic 13-8 to gain a five-point lead and 2-0 lead in the series. With the series then shifting to Orlando, the Lakers lost game three narrowly and in game four again found themselves winners in OT. The 99-91 win put the Lakers up 3-1 and one game away from clinching the title.