The Eastern Conference finals of the National Basketball Association (NBA) 2009 saw Orlando Magic guard Mickael Pietrus return from the bench to show that his rhythm was not affected.

On Tuesday, at the third of the finals between Magic and the LA Lakers at the Amway Arena in Orlando, not only did Pietrus star with some eye-popping free throws and a big dunk at the tightly finished end, but also led the defence by showing he was up to matching his wits and skills with Lakers' star Kobe Bryant.

Orlando Magic's Mickael Pietrus (right) readies to shoot past Los Angeles Lakers' Derek Fisher in Game Three of the NBA Finals in Orlando yesterday. Magic defeated Lakers 108-104. PICs/ap, AFP