[Bette]

From an unforgettable shot to a cheap one.
Three games in, the Eastern Conference finals have grown a little nasty.
Dwight Howard(notes) scored 24 points—14 on free throws—and Rafer Alston(notes) added 18 as the Orlando Magic, sick of seeing replays of LeBron James’(notes) dramatic buzzer-beater to win Game 2, downed the Cleveland Cavaliers 99-89 on Sunday night to take a 2-1 lead in the series.
A physical game from start to finish, there were 86 free throws attempted, 58 personal fouls called, two technicals, and a flagrant. The officials spent half the night stepping between players on both sides as tempers flared inside an overheated Amway Arena.
In the first half, Mo Williams(notes) had his left eye split open by Orlando’s Anthony Johnson(notes), who nailed Cleveland’s point guard with an elbow.
Williams, who needed four stitches to close two cuts, and James felt the blow was a cheap shot.

Howard's 24 lead Magic past Cavs for 2-1 lead - NBA - Yahoo! Sports

[Bette]

There has been a lot of rough stuff in these games and they are getting worse. I don't think there were any cheap shots though. There is so much passion and emotion things gets a little heated up and players just fight a lot harder.
I did see some great acting though at times.