Defensive breakdowns and a glaring inability to create decent scoring chances in late-game situations led directly to the Magic's disappointing loss.

Howard, now in his third season, had a game-high 19 rebounds, but he had just eight points, the fifth consecutive game in which he failed to score more than 12 points. He was invisible offensively down the stretch, except when he grabbed an offensive rebound and dunked.

"We're going to see now just what type of player Dwight wants to be, and where he sees himself in this league," Garnett said. "He's going to have to do his homework. He's going to have to evolve his game."

Although Howard is clearly their best player, his penchant for turnovers and an inability to hit free throws, has caused the Magic to look elsewhere in late-game situations.

And that was a disaster Sunday. Keyon Dooling, who played well earlier in the fourth quarter, struggled to start the offense and failed to get a decent shot twice when the Magic were trying to protect a lead late in regulation.

Grant Hill, who no longer has the lift in his legs he once did, had his shot blocked by unheralded Marko Jaric in the closing minute. Jameer Nelson, who replaced Dooling in the closing seconds, missed twice in the final four seconds of regulation, then missed again with: 01.9 remaining in overtime when Garnett blocked his shot.

Howard, meanwhile, was nowhere to be found offensively, which is what caught Garnet's attention after the game. The Timberwolves double teamed him throughout the game, effectively stopping him. Garnett and Howard exchanged unpleasantries at least once during the game, and had to be chastised by official Jess Kersey, who warned against any escalation.

In a victory earlier this season, Howard had 21 points and 22 rebounds against Minnesota . The Wolves didn't double team him the first time like they did Sunday.

"I know what it's like to deal with double teams. Being a dominant player, you have to figure how to break them. He [Howard] has to have other aspects of his game to go to," Garnett said. "There are ways to make others around you better. He has to attack defenses differently."

The Magic (34-40) return to action Wednesday night at home against the Toronto Raptors, a team that already has beaten them three times. And twice, Raptors center/forward Chris Bosh outplayed Howard. Bosh sat out the third victory.

Earlier this season, Howard was almost unstoppable offensively. He had four games of at least 20 points and 20 rebounds. He has scored 30 or more four times. He had 30 points and 15 rebounds in a victory over Utah March 14, but that was his last big offensive game.

"I'm just trying to do other things now,'' he said last week. "If I'm not making free throws, you play better defense.''

Nelson, meanwhile, said his lack of recent success will not deter him from wanting the big shot. He failed in recent overtime losses to Boston and Minnesota . But he hit the big, late-game shots to win games against New York , San Antonio and much earlier against Sacramento .

"The next game, if I have to take the last second shot, I'll do it again," he said. "I like that situation. If I get the next one, I'm going to take the next one."

NBA Future:
Joakim Noah
Joakim Noah (born February 25, 1985 in New York City) is a 7'0" American basketball player who currently plays for the University of Florida in the Southeastern Conference of the NCAA.

Joakim Noah is of French, Cameroonian, and Swedish descent, born to Yannick Noah, a former French professional tennis player and 1983 French Open Champion, and Cécilia Rodhe, Miss Sweden 1978. He competed on basketball teams for several high schools, first at the United Nations International School in New York City, later transferring to Poly Prep in Brooklyn, New York and then to Lawrenceville, outside of Princeton, New Jersey. At Lawrenceville, Noah averaged 24.0 points and 12.0 rebounds per game, leading his team to a New Jersey Prep 'A' state title.

Joakim Noah
Position: F/C
Class: Junior
Ht: 6-11 Wt: 230
College: Florida
Hometown: New York

NBA Future:
JAVARIS CRITTENTON
Most highly regarded point guard (rated No. 1 at his position by Rivals.com, seventh-best high school player overall) to enroll at Tech since Stephon Marbury in 1995 ... Muscular point guard with size and explosiveness ... Excellent first step, difficult to guard one-on-one ... Excels at breaking defenders down off the dribble, getting into the lane and to the basket ... Can overpower defenders with his strength ... Excellent competitive drive, always striving to get better ... Excellent student who is described as a gym rat who loves to study tape, much like former Tech star Jarrett Jack, and has an impressive collection of videotape of great point guards.

Five-star prospect from Southwest Atlanta Christian School, making the McDonald's All-America team as well as third-team Parade and EA Sports All-America teams following his senior year ... Rated as high as No. 6 nationally (Hoop Scoop) and was the top-rated point guard in the country according to Rivals, No. 3 by Scout.com ... Final PrepStars.com ranking was No. 20.

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