What, you thought the Magic will come out in Game 2 and tie it?

We’ll pretend that the 2009 NBA Finals ain’t over yet. Well, technically, it isn’t. But judging by the way Kobe Bryant and the Lakers kicked off this year’s championship series, it already is.

The Los Angeles Lakers made it clear how bad they want to win their fourth championship of the century. With Kobe Bryant scoring 40 points to lead the Lakers to a 100-75 destruction of Orlando in Game 1 of the NBA Finals, it is evident that the Lakers wanted to put the Magic out early.

In Game 2, the Orlando Magic put up a better effort. Unlike the first game, this one was tightly contested, needing overtime to determine a winner. Unfortunately for Orlando, the MAGICAL shots that went in for them against Philly, Boston and Cleveland just won’t work against L.A., and in a game that initially looked like going in Orlando’s way, the Lakers found a way to win.

Oh yes, it did look like the Magic were going to take this series back to Florida with it tied 1-1. They even had a four-point lead at crunch time while the crowd at the Staples Center watched, nervously.

Perhaps the most frightening moment of Game 2 (that is if you’re a Lakers fan…) was when Magic rookie Courtney Lee had a chance to win the game for his team in the dying seconds of regulation.

With about .6 seconds remaining and the game tied, Courtney Lee was able to get Kobe Bryant caught by a pick near the free throw line. Lee, now free from Kobe, headed towards the basket with a shot at winning Game 2 and taking the homecourt advantage away from the Lakers.

He only had to catch the ball inbounds near the bottom of the hoop and put it through the rim.

We’ve seen Orlando win tightly contested games like this in the playoffs. But for some reason, what was suppose to be a very makeable shot for Lee from point blank range just wouldn’t drop in. And you can bet your ass the Lakers were relieved to see Lee’s last second shot miss. (Yep, they could’ve just thrown it to Dwight Howard for crying out loud, but NOOO, for some reason, they chose a freaking rookie…)

”I was obviously relieved when he missed that shot,” Pau Gasol said. ”It could have been a heartbreaker and right now we could be in a totally different situation.”

It was different in overtime alright. After Orlando missed the opportunity to beat the Lakers in regulation, the Lakers made sure Orlando won’t get the opportunity again in overtime. L.A. outscored Orlando 13-8 in the extra period to win Game 2, 101-96, and now, they are halfway from winning their 15th NBA title.

Which team will win the 2009 NBA Finals? Bet on Bodog sportsbook now.

Los Angeles Lakers 2.20

Orlando Magic 4.50

Want more odds? Visit Bodog sportsbook for more NBA Finals betting odds. Want to watch the NBA Finals live? Get 2009 NBA Finals tickets online now.

Los Angeles Lakers Orlando Magic