Orlando rout Wizards in a loop sided match
A Dwight Howard led Orlando cast a magical spell to rout the Washington Wizards 112-83. The Orlando Magics who are coming on the back of a perfect preseason, which they
finished at 7-0 and won by an average of nearly 25 points per game let it rip again to out power the Wizards.
Orlando stamped their authority on the game right from the start and raced to a double digit lead early in the first quarter. They outscored the wizards 29-15 in the first
and continued their momentum in the second quarter against a faltering Wizard offense that could just manage a paltry 37.2% shot rate on the floor. The teams went into their locker rooms with Orlando dominating at 58-34 and prospects of a comeback fading for
the Wizards. Magic continued their assault in the second half as well and led by 35 points in the fourth with 2:02 to go before the Trevor Brooks scored six to restore some parity.
Dwight Howard was the star for Orlando on the night, as they christened their new arena in style. Howard finished with 23 points and 10 rebounds and could have had more
if he hit more free throws as he went 9-for-19 from the free throw line. Vince Carter scored 18 points and 5 rebounds, Jameer Nelson shot 16 points with six assists while Rashard Lewis also scored in double figures. The resounding performance may just be the
perfect warm up for the Magics as they head south to face an ultra hyped Miami Heats, featuring a certain LeBron James in their own back yard.
The Washington Wizards on the other hand suffered the most loopsided opening night in the franchise’s history and spoiled the debut of this season’s No 1 draft pick John
Wall, who could just score 14 points with 6-for-19 shooting, nine assists, three steals and three turnovers. The former University of Kentucky star, though, showed flashes of brilliance but struggled in general in all aspects of the game which epitomized the
Washington Wizards performance on the night.
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