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Howard, Magic dominate Grizzlies

Apr 8, 2007 - 1:43 AM ORLANDO, Florida (Ticker) -- Dwight Howard looked like a man determined to lead his team to the playoffs.

Howard scored 31 points and grabbed 11 rebounds as the Orlando Magic easily dispatched the lowly Memphis Grizzlies, 116-89, to remain one game ahead of Indiana for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

The 21-year-old All-Star center shot 10-of-13 from the floor and 11-of-17 from the free-throw line before sitting out most of the fourth quarter. Grant Hill and Hedo Turkoglu also sat out the fourth, but not before pouring in 15 points apiece.

The Magic jumped out to a big lead in the first quarter, beginning the game on a 25-3 run and ending the period up 35-14. Howard poured in seven points during the spurt.

The Grizzlies cut the lead to 61-50 after Hakim Warrick's jumper 75 seconds into the second half, but Orlando responded by closing the third quarter with a 34-13 run to put the game away. Howard and Turkoglu scored 10 points each during the burst.

Chucky Atkins came off the bench and scored 18 points on 5-of-11 shooting to lead Memphis, which shot just 37 percent (28-of-74) from the floor.

Trevor Ariza added 14 points, seven boards and three steals in a reserve role for the Magic.