Cavalier’s win over the Orlando Magic in Game 2 of the 2009 Eastern Conference Finals is reminiscent of the 2002 Western Conference Finals Game 4 between Los Angeles Lakers and Sacramento Kings with minor differences. The NBA has actually named the latter game as one of its greatest games.

First, the game was concluded with a 3-point game winning shot at the last second. Horry’s 3-pointer at the buzzer capped a comeback from a 24-point deficit and gave the Los Angeles Lakers a season-saving 100-99 victory over the Sacramento Kings that evened the Western Conference finals at two games each. Meanwhile, Lebron James made a fadeaway 3-pointer over Orlando’s Hedo Turkoglu as the final horn sounded Friday night to give the Cavaliers, their season a heartbeat from major trouble, a 96-95 victory over the Orlando Magic that evened the Eastern Conference finals at one game apiece.

Second, both were conference finals games.

Third, both victors won at their respective home court.

Now, the differences.

First, it is with regard to whose team overcame the point deficit. The Lakers came from behind to get past the first-half 24-point deficit and won, while the struggling Magic overcame the first-half 23-point deficit but lost.

Second, the Lakers won out of the dramatic scramble with about 10 seconds or so remaining while the Cavaliers had it with a masterful setup with Lebron James with just a second remaining.

Nevertheless, as of this writing, it remains to be seen whether the Cavs will go on a trip to the 2009 NBA Finals. Interestingly, Hedo Turkoglu was a part of both games (then with the Kings in 2002 and with Magic in 2009) and unfortunately, in those two games he was with the vanquished team!