We don’t know if Dwight will be in an Orlando Magic uniform Friday night. What we do know is if tonight was Howard’s last home game in a Magic jersey, he left a lasting impression.
Howard collected his 8th 20 point 20 rebound game of the season in a thrilling 104-98 overtime win against the Miami Heat Tuesday night.
Howard who was very open about his feelings regarding all the trade speculation finished with 24 points and 25 rebounds.
“Next season doesn’t matter. All that matters is now,” Dwight said when asked where he may be playing next season.
“I want to finish the season here. I think we can do something special.”
Many are taking that quote from Howard and assuming that he will finish the season with Magic and walk to Brooklyn in the offseason. Allowing the Nets to trade their saved assets and build around Howard and star point guard Deron Williams.
As for the game, the Miami Heat dominated the 2nd quarter. Using a 20-0 run to build an 11 point halftime lead.
However the Magic out scored the Heat 27-17 in the third quarter and cut the deficit to 1 going into the final period.
Two Dwight free throws with 2:20 left in the fourth tied the game at 89.
Following a Wade and a Hedu Turkoglu jumper tying the game at 91 Jameer Nelson’s 3 with 44 seconds gave the Magic a 94-91 lead.
Seconds later Wade answered with a three of his own. On Orlando’s next procession they turned it over giving the Heat a shot to win.
Wade dribbled to the elbow, pulled up for the jumper but it rimmed out sending the game into overtime.
“I thought it was good,” Wade said with a chuckle post game. “That’s my spot and I just missed, but I’d shoot that same shot again.”
In overtime the Magic rode the shoulders of Jameer Nelson who went 2-2 from the field and scored four points helping Orlando out score the Heat 10-4 in the extra period.
The Magic will now travel to play the San Antonio Spurs Wednesday night, tip off set for 8:30pm.
