The hunch of the league's Most Valuable Player about the reserve guard was right.

Although James' 3-pointer at the buzzer gave the Cavaliers a 96-95 victory over the Orlando Magic in Game 2 to even the series, Cleveland would not have been in that situation without Pavlovic's contribution.

Pavlovic, who didn't play in Game 1 and was at the end of the bench for the latter part of the regular season, scored nine points in 21 minutes.

James' words provided a big morale boost for Pavlovic.

"He's the best player in the world right now," Pavlovic said. "It's a great feeling to have him tell you that. He's been my teammate for five years. He knows what I can do."

With the Cavaliers sweeping Detroit and Atlanta in the first two rounds of the playoffs, Pavlovic saw few meaningful minutes. That changed Friday night.

The 6-foot-7 Pavlovic, taking Wally Szczerbiak's spot as the first guard off the bench, entered the game in the first quarter and helped the Cavaliers build a 43-20 lead.

Cleveland got only five points off the bench in a 107-106 loss in Game 1, all coming from forward Joe Smith.

Pavlovic was 4-of-7 from the field, including one 3-pointer, in Game 2.

Cleveland coach Mike Brown decided late Friday afternoon he would play Pavlovic.

"I gotta give Sasha credit for staying ready and giving us good minutes of the bench," Brown said. "I thought the minutes he gave us off the bench were very productive."

"It's my job to stay ready," Pavlovic said. "If I don't stay ready, I can't help my team. I know I can play in this league."

Pavlovic, a starter on Cleveland's team that reached the NBA finals two years ago, was on the floor at the end of the game. He fouled Hedo Turkoglu with 13.8 seconds left to set up the Magic's last shot. Turkoglu hit a shot in the lane over Pavlovic with one second left to put Orlando ahead 95-93.

"He's a great shooter," Pavlovic said. "He hit a tough shot."

Brown thought Pavlovic's height would help defend Orlando's shooters.

"We wanted to try and give them a different look by going with a little more length and athleticism in Sasha," Brown said. "Going into the game today was when I made the decision to go with him. I kept jumping back and forth. Finally on my drive in. I just wanted to make sure I was thinking right."

Pavlovic's contributions should lead to more playing time when the series continues in Orlando on Sunday night.

"Whenever Coach wants me to go in, I'll be set to go," he said. "I'll be ready."

The first player James met for the celebration after the game-winner was Pavlovic.

"I'd be lying if I said I didn't expect that," Pavlovic said. "I kind of expected that from him because that's what he does. He makes all kinds of shots in practice. He's amazing."