Orlando Magic Daily
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Top 10 Orlando Magic Moments vs. LeBron James

By Anthony Prodanovich

ORLANDO, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 27: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles the ball against the Orlando Magic during the third quarter at Amway Center on December 27, 2022 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 27: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles the ball against the Orlando Magic during the third quarter at Amway Center on December 27, 2022 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images) /
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Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic, Cleveland Cavaliers
The Orlando Magic advanced to their second NBA Finals in 2009, dethroning the heavily favored Cleveland Cavaliers. (Photo by Doug Benc/Getty Images) /

Orlando Magic’s top moments vs. LeBron James

1. Eastern Conference Finals Game 6

May 30, 2009

Final. 90. 156. 103. 38

Unbelievably, the Orlando Magic punched their second franchise ticket to the NBA Finals, beginning perhaps the narrative that LeBron James could not deliver and sending the King home far earlier than he anticipated.

This was one of the great upsets in NBA history as the Orlando Magic returned home following the Cleveland Cavaliers’ Game 5 victory and put their foot down in a dominant performance. The Magic never trailed in what became a celebration in the clinching victory.

James did not have his best game of what was an incredible series. But he still recorded 25 points, seven rebounds and seven assists while shooting 40 percent from the field, 25 percent from 3 and 63 percent from the free throw line.

That encapsulated how dire the Cavs’ chances were relying on one player. This was of course the future foundations of “The Decision” and the Big 3/Player Movement era.

James, of course, drew headlines for walking off the court without shaking his opponents’ hands. That was a move that was overblown at the time but began the negative narratives surrounding James’ status in the league.

Dwight Howard had his best playoff performance, and likely a top-five career performance, if not the best individual game of his entire career. He dominated the paint scoring 40 points, grabbing 14 rebounds and shooting 66 percent from the field. He made his free throws too, hitting 12 of 16 for the game.

The home Orlando crowd was buzzing as the coronation seemed inevitable as the Cavs never got within 10 points in the second half.

As the buzzer sounded, Howard had a smile so big plastered to his face as he untucks his jersey and pointed to the heavens. The Orlando Magic went on to the NBA Finals to face the Los Angeles Lakers, and in turn, foiling the closest chance LeBron and Kobe had to face off in the postseason.

Next. Top 20 Shooters in Orlando Magic history. dark

More importantly, the Magic can hold one thing over James in his entire career. He never defeated the Magic in a playoff series.