Short-Term Heartbreak, Long-Term Reward?

By Josh Cohen
May 22, 2009

CLEVELAND -- Stan Van Gundy’s facial expression following LeBron James’ game-winning buzzer-beating 3-pointer on Friday said it all.

It’s the kind of grimace that needs no explanation after a heartbreaker like that.

However, let’s put this into perspective for a moment.

Yes, the league MVP’s trey was astounding -- especially when you consider how pressure-packed of a shot it was.

But, it’s nothing that the Orlando Magic have not seen before.

Already witnesses to game-winning buckets from Andre Iguodala, Thaddeus Young and Glen Davis during this playoff run, LeBron’s shot is just another three points to be used for motivation.

After each last-second loss this postseason, the Magic have come back strong. They eliminated the Philadelphia 76ers in six games despite two jaw-dropping defeats and ultimately ousted last season’s champions after Big Baby’s dagger.

And consider this for historical reference. Go into the archives and review Game 4 of the 1995 Eastern Conference Finals. Just like Friday’s finish where LeBron’s game-winner followed Hedo Turkoglu’s clutch shot, Rik Smits of the Indiana Pacers hit a last-second jumper after Penny Hardaway drilled a go-ahead 3-pointer. Orlando, nevertheless, won the series in seven games.

No matter if you lose by 25 or one, a loss shouldn’t deflate you for the next game. And that’s exactly the mindset the Magic should have as they prepare for Game 3 in Orlando on Sunday night (8:30 ET on TNT).

“We have to get over it,” said Dwight Howard, who registered 10 points and 18 rebounds after erupting for 30 and 13 in Game 1. “We’ve been beat by some tough shots. We just have to come back and make sure it doesn’t happen again.”

It’s also very encouraging that the Magic have become the team that overcomes large deficits. Previous to this series, Orlando had developed a reputation for building big leads before allowing its opponents to rally back. The Magic erased a 16-point deficit in Game 1 and a 23-point deficit in Game 2 to force nail biters at the end.

Most fans crave these fantastic, attention-grabbing finishes in the NBA Playoffs. It’s what makes for great conversation around the water cooler at work, while at the family barbecue or, for you students, in homeroom before classes begin. It’s very different for a head coach, however.

“I’m not really into the excitement,” Van Gundy said. “I just want to win.”

Just think, though. If LeBron's shot rims off or bounces out, this whole story would be about Turkoglu's clutch jumper with one second remaining. No matter what, Friday's ending was amazing.