Howard's two free throws with 21 seconds remaining capped a 10-point effort in the extra session as the center nicknamed 'Superman' finished with 27 points and 14 rebounds to help the Magic leave LeBron James's Cavs facing a stunning series defeat.
"Now it's time to close it out," Howard told reporters after guiding his team to a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series.
"We have to have the killer instinct. If we want to win a championship this is what it takes."
League MVP James recorded 44 points to reach the 40-point barrier for the third time in the series, but all those games have ended in losses for the top seeded Cavs.
James made two free throws with less than a second remaining in regulation to send the game into the extra session but his three-point attempt to win the contest at the overtime buzzer hit the rim of the basket before bouncing away.
