The Orlando Magic overachieved. They defied their critics. But, they failed when it counted in Game five as Los Angeles crushed them 99-86 to secure a 10th NBA title for Coach Phil Jackson.

Kobe Bryant dominated the game with 29 points, six rebounds and six assists. He accumulated almost eight assists each game in the Finals. Later on, he won his first NBA Finals MVP (Most Valuable Player).

The Lakers balanced scoring with Derek Fisher’s 13 points, Trevor Ariza’s 18, Lamar Odom’s 16 and Pau Gasol’s 18.

Orlando’s “Superman” played more like “Stuperman” as Dwight Howard had only 11 points and nine rebounds in an uninspiring effort. Rashard Lewis only had nine points and went 3-18 from the floor. Hedo Turkogulu had 10 points. Courtney Lee scored 12 points and J.J. Redick had 10 points (all in the fourth quarter).

A “competitive” Game 5 ended with the Lakers grabbing rebounds, forcing turnovers and contesting shots. The Magic shot 39% for the game and went 5-22 from three-point land. This “game” turned into a blowout early in the third quarter.

Unfortunately for basketball fans, the real NBA Finals occurred over two weeks ago as L.A. closed out the Denver Nuggets.