Dwight Howard explodes for 36 as Orlando Magic get 92 – 88 win over Toronto Raptors – NBA Recap
The Orlando Magic managed to hold on at the end despite a surge from the Toronto Raptors for a 92 – 88 win on Monday. The game at the Air Canada Centre was low key for the most part but witnessed some high intensity stuff from Orlando super star Dwight Howard
and drama in the dying moments.
Dwight was simply unstoppable on the night. He scored a mammoth 36 points, the game high, and hauled down 13 rebounds. The Raptors didn’t put as much defensive pressure as he is used to, and the explosive centre capitalized.
"My teammates gave me the ball in the right position to score," Howard said. "(Toronto) really didn't help much so I had a lot of room to be effective."
Raptors centre Aaron Gray conceded after the game that Dwight was a thorn in their flesh all night, but said the team had prioritized going after the perimeter shooters.
"It's frustrating seeing him dunking the ball like that over and over," Gray said. "Obviously the 3-point ability is their strength and that was our focus tonight."
The Magic’s perimeter guys indeed suffered a little because of the extra defensive attention, but in the end it proved futile for the Raptors.
Ryan Anderson was effective with his 19 points and 13 rebounds and J.J. Redick had 13 points with 6 assists. Redick’s contribution was decisive as he hit took over the responsibility down the stretch to see Orlando home.
"Our perimeter guys all shot the ball very, very poorly tonight, so trying to decide who you're going to have down there as the last man wasn't an easy call," Magic coach Stan Van Gundy said. "(Redick) knocked in a big one right there."
DeMar DeRozan led the Raptors with team high 23 points. Jerryd Bayless had 15 points, 5 assists and 6 rebounds off the bench while Gray managed a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds.
The game started off evenly, with neither team able to build up a head of steam. The score remained close throughout the first quarter, with the Magic able to get their noses ahead at 23 – 20.
Orlando used a 9 – 4 run to stretch the gap, 34 – 26. They were able to maintain a reasonable distance throughout, and ended the first half in the ascendency at 43 – 38.
The third quarter saw both team produce significant runs. The Raptors came out aggressively, looking to get hold of the game in their home court. They indeed usurped Orlando’s lead and went ahead themselves, but the Magic countered with 7 – 0 burst to move
clear, 61 – 55.
Things didn’t change until the 4th stanza, where the Raptors once again made repeated attempts to grind down the lead. Orlando’s advantage was diminished at the death and it was only a clutch 3-pointer from Redick that gave them breathing space.
The Raptors hit back with an effort from downtown as well, but Redick drained the last two free throws of the game, seeing Orlando to the win.
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