Dwight Howard pounds a 20-24 night as Orlando Magic cruise past the Charlotte Bobcats: NBA Recap
Orlando Magic recorded a comprehensive win over the Charlotte Bobcats at the Time Warner Cable Arena on Friday. The Magic were in control for most of the game to the dismay of Bobcats fans and finished it off 100 – 79.
The Magic had not been happy with their start to the 2011-2012 NBA season coming into the game but Stan Van Gundy could not find a fault in the team’s performance on the night. According to the Magic head coach, everything fell
into place for the win.
"This was by far our best one yet. We opened the game with tremendous energy and defended hard throughout. We finished it out well and made good decisions all night. There really is not too much on (the box score) to be upset about
tonight."
The key for Orlando was once again the dominant play of super star Dwight Howard. The towering centre exuded confidence with his mega double-double performance, 20 points and 24 rebounds, and enormously helped his team on both
ends. Forward Ryan Anderson was one of the beneficiaries of Howard’s play and spoke of his importance after the game.
"Obviously with Dwight (Howard) out there being double teamed he really makes it a whole lot easier for us on the perimeter. He did a great job feeding us around the three-point line tonight and finds me open shots. He's makes
it easy for us. We just have to shoot the ball."
Anderson had a game high 23 points. Hidayet Turkoglu managed 15 points and Jason Richardson also notched up 16.
Corey Maggette managed to shine in a losing effort for the Bobcats with team high 20 points. Point guard D.J. Augustin provided another bright spot with his 14 points.
Orlando made their intentions clear early when they the game started with 11 points without a reply. The Bobcats simply looked overawed by Orlando’s strong play in the post and were forced to chase after the Magic for the rest
of the game.
Orlando steadily increasing their lead in the second quarter as the Bobcats failed to ask any serious questions. With Howard and company enjoying their time out on the court, the first half ended in Orlando’s favour at 56 – 43.
Things slowed down in the third period though. Charlotte were able to match their opponents as both sides registered 19 points each in the quarter, but that didn’t give them much to cheer about because they went into the final
period still trailing by 13 points.
The Bobcats weren’t really able to put together a threatening run in the final period to try and set up an exciting end to the game. In fact, Orlando’s advantage only increased as the game went on and the Bobcats would have been
relieved when it ended, final score 100 – 79 to the Magic.
The welcome win for Orlando fittingly ended with a Dwight Howard dunk.
Tags: