In his first home game after signing a one year extension Dwight Howard led the Magic with 18 points and 7 rebounds in an 86-70 win over the New Jersey Nets.
After months of a “circus” like atmosphere the Orlando Magic were looking forward to getting back to just basketball Friday night.
Howard shot 8 for 10 from the floor helping the Magic build a 20 point lead at one point. Jameer Nelson chipped in 13 points, all five Magic starters scored in double figures.
Orlando held the short handed Nets starting lineup to just seven points in the first half.
“I was happy,” Magic coach Stan Van Gundy said. “I thought we did a good job on their starters. Their bench guys, Gerald Green got going, but I was fairly happy with our defense.”
Gerald Green led the Nets with 14 points followed by DeSean Stevenson’s 11, the only two New Jersey players to reach double figures on the evening.
The Nets now 5-5 in their last ten are currently last in the Atlantic division.
Howard expressed his appreciation for the fans post game.
“It was great,” Howard said. “Just thank all the fans who stuck with me through this time … showed me their love. It was great to see it.”
Now focused on basketball the Magic are currently third in the Eastern Conference standings.
Orlando will take their talents to South Beach and play the Miami Heat Sunday evening, tip off set for 7pm.
