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Dwight Howard Leads Magic to Win Over Iverson-less Sixers
Dwight Howard is sure having a fine time since turning 21 two days ago.
Dwight Howard had second straight remarkable game by scoring 28 points and grabbing 12 rebounds in Orlando's 86-84 win over Philadelphia on Saturday. The performance followed a 25-point, 10-rebound effort against the Detroit Pistons on Friday.
Saturday's game was much closer than many expected. The 76ers came into the game without beleaguered star Allen Iverson, who the team finally grew tired of and hope to unload on another team in the near future.
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Philadelphia, however, played some inspired ball without A.I.. Chris Webber picked up the slack by playing a well-rounded game, needing only two assists to complete triple-double. He finished the game with 19 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 assists.
The Magic jumped to an early 31-25 lead behind the play of Dwight Howard. The third-year pro scored 15 points in the game's first quarter. Philadelphia kept the game from getting out of hand with Webber and Andre Iguodala's play. Both players scored 12 point in the first half and kept the 76ers within three points at halftime.
The second half featured more of the same as each team seemed to trade baskets. Grant Hill scored 10 of his 23 points in the third quarter, but the 76ers remained within arm's reach thanks to a balance attack on offense.
Philadelphia kept the game so close, it even had a chance to pull out the upset. Down by one point, Webber drove the lane and attempted a hard lay up with 10 seconds left in the game. He missed the shot and the Magic grabbed the rebound for the win.
The win lifts the Magic record to 15-7 and keeps the team with the best record in the Eastern Conference. The 76ers loss drops them to 5-14, but their play was good enough to lift their spirits in what is now the post-A.I. era. |
