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Howard sets NBA free-throw attempt record; Magic down Warriors

Jan 13, 2012 - 9:02 AM Oakland, CA (Sports Network) - In the end, Dwight Howard had the last laugh.

Warriors first-year head coach Mark Jackson opted to employ a severe case of "Hack a Shaq," sending Shaquille O'Neal's doppelganger to the free throw line an NBA record 39 times.

Howard only made 21 of his attempts, but finished with 45 points and converted a go-ahead three-point play with 65 seconds remaining to help Orlando outlast Golden State, 117-109.

The previous free-throw attempt record was held by the great Wilt Chamberlain, who shot 34 against St. Louis on February 22, 1962.

Hedo Turkoglu chipped in 20 points in Orlando's third straight win.

Monta Ellis led Golden State with 30 points, while David Lee added 26 points and 12 rebounds before fouling out.

The Warriors pulled out an overtime win over Miami on Tuesday, and were again in position to knock off an Eastern Conference contender, going on top 107-106 on Klay Thompson's three-pointer with 2:37 remaining.

Howard countered with a a go-ahead running hook shot, then made his usual 1- for-2 at the foul line on the next possession to give Orlando a 109-107 lead with 1:35 to play.

Ellis answering with a runner, and Turkoglu missed a three-point try at the other end. Howard, though, pulled down the offensive rebound and was fouled by Lee on the putback. The 6-foot-11 center made his 39th and final free throw attempt with 1:05 on the clock.

Ellis drew iron from long range on the ensuing possession, and Von Wafer's three-pointer clinched Orlando's drawn-out win.

Golden State scored the game's first nine points and led the entire first half. Orlando stayed close by getting to the foul line, hitting 17-of-26 in the opening 24 minutes, all nine misses coming from Howard's 18 attempts.

The Magic took their first lead, 63-62, on a Ryan Anderson three-pointer with 8:34 remaining in the third, which ended with the Warriors holding a slim 80-80 advantage.

Game Notes

Entering the game, Howard was a career 59.5 percent free-throw shooter and was making an even worse 42.6 percent from the stripe over the first 10 games...The Magic are 7-0 when scoring 100 or more points...Both teams shot 52 percent from the field...Overall, the Magic shot 36-of-55 from the foul line, compared to Golden State's 13-of-19 effort...Howard also grabbed 23 rebounds in the victory.