The Amway Arena hosted game 5 of the Eastern Conference quarter finals between the Orlando Magic and the Philadelphia 76ers. It was a sell out event, with over 17,000 in attendance largely celebrating the Magic 91 – 78 victory.
Dwight Howard led the team to victory with his fourth career 20+ points/20+ rebound game with 24 points and 24 rebounds. This also marked a team high playoff appearance in rebounds. Countering his performance was a technical foul elbowing Samuel Dalembert. The play is currently under review with the NBA to determine if Howard will be issued a suspension.
Rafer Alston and Rashard Lewis also contributed heavily to the Magic win. Lewis scored a series high 24 points while Alston added 14 points into the Magic bucket.
Andre Iguodala lead the way for 76ers with 26 points and a strong second half appearance, but it was not enough to keep up with the Magic.
Orlando takes a 3 -2 lead in the series and hope to close the series out in Philadelphia this Thursday. The Magic will have to do it without their shooting guard Courtney Lee. Lee suffered a fractured sinus due to an elbow to the head from teammate Dwight Howard and will miss game 6. His status is in question for the remainder of the playoffs.
