My Player (Season 2) NBA Finals Game 4 - Hapshoops32's Dynasty

Arena Blog Dynasty Scores Sign Up ☰

Hapshoops32's Dynasty Blog

My Player (Season 2) NBA Finals Game 4

Posted on January 29, 2011 at 12:05 AM.

(0)

CHAMPIONS!!!
Happel Buzzer-Beater Nets Team's First Title

Happel and the Magic celebrate an NBA Championship!

Los Angeles, CA (AP) - A season full of magical moments ended with one as well, as a last-second shot by Mr. Clutch, The Captain himself, Brian Happel, propelled Orlando to an 84-82 victory and the first NBA title in franchise history. "This is unreal," said Happel on the court just after the buzzer sounded, "Every kid dreams of this! Hitting the game-winning, buzzer-beating shot that wins you the NBA championship! Are you kidding me?"

VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS: HAPPEL'S GAME WINNER

The Lakers fans knew Happel wasn't kidding. Even though L.A. tied it with 7.2 seconds left in regulation, there was still a sense of dread at the Staples Center. There was plenty of time left for Happel to work his "magic" - and that he certainly did, taking the pass from Gilbert Arenas at the top of the key, dribbling to the right elbow, crossing it back to get into the left side of the lane, and hitting a ten-foot jumper as help arrived just too late with 0.3 seconds left on the clock. "We drew the play up to give Brian the ball at the top of the key and let him create. We knew he'd either get a good shot off, or find someone else to get a good look, and he knocked it down," said head coach Stan Van Gundy.

Another angle of Happel's heroic shot, putting the Lakers on ice

Happel finished with 40 points and 20 rebounds, and to nobody's surprise, was named NBA Finals MVP. Still, in the post game press conference, Happel had plenty to say about his teammates, giving them all the credit, "There are 12 guys here that busted their behinds to make this happen. I feel like if even one of us didn't do our part, that things might have turned out differently. I honestly believe that."

When he wasn't scoring, Happel was finding his teammates and giving them good looks all night

Orlando had to withstand a furious comback by the Lakers. The Magic held a 13 point lead going into the fourth quarter, seemingly poised to turn the final frame into a coronation of sorts. But, Los Angeles fought back and would just not go away. It was one of the rare times Orlando struggled to put a team away this season. It was also one of the rare times the Magic just didn't have the touch from the floor. Their shooting was just flat out bad. Orlando shot 41% overall from the field, only connected on 1-11 from behind the arc, and went just 17-27 from the charity stripe. "We almost gave that one away," said Dwight Howard, "But, we did make just enough plays, and Brian was just absolutely clutch, and now we can CELEBRATE!!!"

VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS: HAPPEL THROWING IT DOWN ON THE LAKERS ALL GAME

One area the Magic continued to dominate was on the boards, outrebounding L.A. 58-36. However, the Lakers also forced 15 turnovers, another factor in keeping this one close. The win meant redemption for Orlando - which lost 4 games to 1 in the NBA Finals against the Lakers three years ago.

Happel and the Magic "D" blocked any chance L.A. had of coming back

So, now Orlando fans can finally celebrate. They've gotten close several times - twice with Shaq, and again with Superman. But ultimately, it was The Captain who piloted this ship to the promised land. There are sure to be plenty of moves to consider and watch over the offseason. But for now, the fans and the team can bask in this final "magical" moment in a season that's been filled with them!