Dwight Howard leads Orlando Magic to a 102-94 win over Cleveland Cavaliers - NBA Recap
Orlando Magic got off to an excellent 12-5 start in the 2011-12 NBA season, however after that, they completely lost their way and getting beaten four games in a row, dropping to 12-9.
The team however is back on the winning track.
They started February with a win over the Washington Wizards, that ended their four game losing streak, and on Friday night, they continued their good form to overpower Cleveland Cavaliers 102-94, making it two out of two in three
days.
Dwight Howard marshalled the Magic with 19 points on 9 for 16 from the free throw line and 16 boards. Jason Richardson also added 19 points on 3 for 4 from the long range while Hidayet Turkoglu pounded 18 points. Ryan J Anderson
(17 points and 8 boards) barely missed a double-double.
"We did good job of spacing the floor out, moving the ball and getting each other involved," Richardson said. "It was really good for us tonight. Everybody was involved, did a good job on both ends and got the win."
Alonzo Gee paced the Cavs with a game high 20 points on 7 for 12 from the floor including 3 for 4 from outside the arc while rookie Kyrie Irving tallied 18 points and handed out 6 dimes. Antawn Jamison and Anderson Varejao both
had double-doubles with 16 points, 12 boards and 12 points, 15 boards respectively. Ramon Sessions came off the bench and recorded 14 points.
The game was evenly poised midway through the second frame with Magic ahead by only 4 points 30-26, however in the next few minutes, the Magic pushed on the accelerator and rattled a 14-4 run, which helped them in ending the first
half with a significant 11 point lead, 48-37.
Magic pushed their momentum in the third frame and opened it with a game deciding 11-3 spurt. By the end of the third frame, Magic had completely turned the game in their favour; acquiring a lead of 19 points 72-53.
Cleveland changed gears in the last frame and outscored the Magic 41-30, but the mammoth deficit they had carried in the quarter was just too much to overcome.
"I wish we could put the first three quarters together like we did the fourth. We couldn't throw the ball in the ocean for the first three quarters. It was tough." Said disappointed Cavaliers coach Byron Scott.
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