Lewis Lifts Magic Once Again

ORLANDO -- The Magic have dealt with plenty of adversity this postseason. They've had to play without All-Star center Dwight Howard (forced to sit out one game for elbowing Sixers center Samuel Dalembert), rookie Courtney Lee (sinus fracture) and most recently starting point guard Rafer Alston (one-game suspension) for various stretches during their playoff run. But each time that the Magic have had their backs to the wall, they've come out and played some of their strongest basketball of the season, usually with All-Star forward Rashard Lewis leading the way. In a critical Game 6 matchup against the 76ers without their Superman in the lineup, Lewis shined in the Philadelphia spotlight, erupting for 29 points and seven rebounds to ensure that Orlando would advance to the next round. On Friday night with a teammate again sidelined due to suspension, Sweet Lew sprung into action and scored 28 points to lift the Magic to a 117-96 Game 3 blowout victory over Boston, giving Orlando a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven Eastern Conference Semifinals series. "He gave us a big lift tonight," swingman Mickael Pietrus said following the contest. "That's what an All-Star does." The versatile forward -- also known as Eagle Eye for his spectacular outside touch -- exploited Boston's defense from all over the court, but his two fourth-quarter treys proved to be the most deadly. After a Kendrick Perkins' layup brought Boston within seven -- the closest it had been in the entire second half -- Sweet Lew buried a deep trey from the top of the key to once again give the Magic a double-digit advantage. Then with just over six minutes remaining, Lewis again dialed long-distance and connected on a 3-pointer from the wing to seal Orlando's home triumph. "He was huge for us," Magic forward Hedo Turkoglu said. "When we need him, we go to him and he delivers." Lewis left his teammates in sheer awe of his ability to step up in clutch situations. "Being here this year, I would have to say (that was his best performance of the season)," Lee said of his teammate. "This is my first time witnessing this in the playoffs." Pietrus was not surprised. "It's Rashard Lewis," MP explained. "What do you expect?" Just another exceptional effort the next time the Magic need him to rise to the occasion.