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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LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers
SACRAMENTO, CA – DECEMBER 23: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on against the Sacramento Kings during an NBA game at ARCO Arena on December 23, 2009 in Sacramento, California. 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 Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images) /

Orlando Magic’s top moments vs. LeBron James

6. Shooting Woes for the King in Cleveland

April 5, 2008

38. 86. 156. Final. 101

Late in the 2008 Season, as the newly formed Big 3 of the Boston Celtics ripped up the Eastern Conference and the NBA, the Orlando Magic and Cleveland Cavaliers battled for the third- and fourth-seed respectfully.

This was the beginning of a clear rivalry and a battle to see who would be the ones to challenge the Celtics and their budding dynasty in the Eastern Conference with the Detroit Pistons beginning to fade.

Though Dwight Howard had a four-point game, the wings carried the Magic behind Hedo and Rashard Lewis combining for 44 points for this critical win. The Magic would end up as the 3-seed and eventually advance out of the first round for the first time in 12 years.

They did that because of their defense with Howard in the middle. And that was on display in what became one of many difficult offensive games for James against Howard and the Magic.

LeBron shot 6 for 22, including 1 for 5 from the three and 4 for 8 from the free throw line. Now he made up for it with a stat-stuffing nine assists, seven rebounds, two steals, two blocks but the team fell short as the scoring leader for the Cavs was Delonte West.

Although the Magic got the 3-seed with 52 wins and the Cavaliers the 4-seed with 45, they both beat their first-round matchup. But the Magic fell short to the Pistons in 5 in the second round, while the Cavs lost a seven-game series with eventual champion Celtics.

Both teams would soon take center stage in the Eastern Conference.