Dwight Howard led the Orlando Magic to an 85-81 win over the Indiana Pacers with 27 points and 8 rebounds Saturday night.
Orlando over came 25 turnovers by holding the Pacers to 33% from the field and 18% from beyond the arc.
“This is one of the games where shots didn’t fall,” Tyler Hansbrough said. “I think the defense was pretty good and I’m not worried about my shooting. I think it will come.”
The game was tied 39-39 at halftime but a big 3rd quarter on both ends gave Orlando a 9 point lead heading into the 4th.
The Pacers out scored the Magic 28-23 in the fourth but it wasn’t enough. Indiana couldn’t convert on key plays.
After a Granger basket pulled the Pacers to within 3 (77-80) he couldn’t convert on a 3 the next possession to tie the game. This was a lucky break for the Magic, considering they have a tendency to play good stretches of basketball then look awful, something Magic coach Stan Van Gundy is aware of.
“We have to talk on Monday,” Van Gundy said. “We did some mentally dumb things and we have to change that.”
Jason Richardson scored 17 points followed by Ryan Anderson’s 12 for the Magic.
A scuffle between Quentin Richardson and Danny Granger led to Richardson’s ejection from the game.
“Yeah, it was a really physical game,” Howard said. “Both teams played hard end to end. It was a good battle with a good time.”
Orlando winners of three straight will get Sunday off before hosting the new look Clippers Monday night at Amway Center. Tip off set for 7pm.
