2009 NBA Finals Game 5 vs Orlando Magic
Lakers defeat Magic in five games for 15th NBA title.
The 2009 NBA Finals was the championship series of the National Basketball Association's (NBA) 2008–09 season and the conclusion of the season's playoffs. A best-of-seven playoff series starting on June 4 and concluding on June 14, 2009, it was contested between the Western Conference champion Los Angeles Lakers, and the Eastern Conference champion Orlando Magic. The Lakers were heavily favored to win the championship over the Magic. The Lakers defeated the Magic in five games to win the franchise's 15th NBA championship. Kobe Bryant was named the Finals MVP. The Orlando Magic's Game 3 victory was the first win in an NBA Finals game in franchise history; they were previously swept in 1995 by the Houston Rockets. As of 2026, this the last time the Lakers clinched an NBA championship on the road.
- Final Score
- Lakers 99 - Magic 86
- Series Result
- Lakers win 4-1
- MVP Performance
- Kobe Bryant (30 pts, 6 reb, 5 ast)
- Location
- Amway Arena, Orlando, FL
- Date
- June 14, 2009
- Key Moment
- Lamar Odom's block on Hedo Turkoglu followed by clutch free throws to seal the victory
Lore & Background
The Lakers were the favorite to emerge from the Western Conference, but their road to the Finals was a tough one. They played three physical series against the Utah Jazz, Houston Rockets, and Denver Nuggets, winning in 5, 7, and 6 games, respectively. Going into the Finals, the Lakers finished off the Nuggets in the Western Conference finals with two good performances in Games 5 and 6, making analysts pick them as the favorites in the Finals. It was their sixth Finals appearance of the decade and a record-extending 30th Finals appearance overall, the most for any NBA team.
In Their Own Story
Inside Amway Arena, the home crowd's roar faded into a stunned silence as the fourth quarter wound down. There was no panic from Los Angeles, only cold execution. With the lead secure but the clock ticking, Derek Fisher buried a crucial three-pointer that severed Orlando’s final hope of a comeback. When the buzzer sounded, the quiet of the Magic faithful was shattered by the eruption of traveling Lakers fans. Confetti rained down on the court, burying the opposition as Phil Jackson embraced his players in the moment of coronation.
Reader's Guide
The Lakers defeated the Magic in five games. Game 1: Lakers won by 25 points, the 6th-largest margin in NBA Finals Game 1 history. Game 2: Lakers won 101–96 in overtime. Game 3: Magic won, their first Finals win in franchise history. Game 4: Lakers won in overtime. Game 5: Lakers won to clinch the championship.
Did You Know?
- Kobe Bryant was named the Finals MVP.
- The Magic's Game 3 victory was the first win in an NBA Finals game in franchise history.
- As of 2026, this is the last time the Lakers clinched an NBA championship on the road.
- The series was nicknamed the 'Disney Series' for its connections to The Walt Disney Company.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the 2009 NBA Finals Game 5 against the Orlando Magic?
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Orlando Magic with a final score of 99-86 to clinch the series. This victory secured their 15th NBA Championship title in franchise history.
What were Kobe Bryant's statistics during this decisive match?
Kobe Bryant led his team with an MVP performance, recording 30 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists. His dominance helped dismantle the Magic offense throughout the contest.
When and where was the championship-clinching game played?
The match took place on June 14, 2009, at the Amway Arena in Orlando, Florida. It served as the final game where the Lakers completed their 4-1 series victory.
What key play helped seal the victory for Los Angeles?
Lamar Odom made a crucial block on Hedo Turkoglu before sinking clutch free throws to stabilize the lead late in the game. This defensive stop prevented Orlando from mounting a comeback attempt.
Why is this specific game considered iconic for Lakers fans?
It marked the end of a seven-year championship drought and restored glory to the purple and gold franchise. The performance solidified Kobe Bryant's legacy as one of the greatest players in league history.
More in Iconic Games & Moments
Elsewhere in the Los Angeles Lakers universe
Spotted an error? Know more?
This is a living reference — every entry is fact-audited, and reader corrections feed straight into our audit queue. Suggest an edit · See this site's audit record