USA - Free-throw line is kryptonite to Orlando's Superman Howard in Game 4 defeat

ORLANDO (NBA) - The Los Angeles Lakers are just one victory away from celebrating a 15th NBA championship after beating the Orlando Magic 99-91 in overtime on Thursday.

Dwight Howard and the Magic let a Game 4 triumph in the NBA Finals slip away.

Howard, with his team leading 87-84, was fouled by fellow Team USA Olympic star Kobe Bryant with 11 seconds remaining.

The Orlando Magic center missed both free throws, and LA veteran Derek Fisher went to the other end and tied the contest with a three-pointer to force the extra period.

With the game knotted at 91-91 just 32 seconds from the end of OT, Fisher struck again from behind the arc and the Lakers held on.

Howard shot a Shaquille O'Neal-like six of 14 at the free-throw line for Orlando, who now must win three straight games if they are to capture the franchise's first NBA crown.

"I just missed them," Howard said.

"I've been working on my free throws. They just weren't falling tonight."

Game 5 is on Sunday night in Orlando.

FIBA