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Howard carries Magic over cold-shooting Lakers

Feb 14, 2011 - 1:19 AM Orlando, FL (Sports Network) - Dwight Howard posted 31 points, 13 rebounds and three blocks as the Orlando Magic ended the Lakers' four-game winning streak, 89-75, at Amway Center.

Jason Richardson added 12 points while both Ryan Anderson and Hedo Turkoglu finished with nine points for Orlando, which is now 1-1 on a lengthy seven- game homestand.

"I thought we put a lot into that game," Magic coach Stan Van Gundy said. "We played nine guys, I thought all nine of them gave an absolutely tremendous effort. I thought our individual defense was the best it's been all year."

Kobe Bryant and Andrew Bynum both scored 17 points to lead the Lakers, who have dropped two of three against Orlando this season. Lamar Odom posted 15 points and eight boards in a reserve role while Pau Gasol contributed 11 points in the loss.

"We didn't shoot the ball very well," Lakers coach Phil Jackson said. "I thought our defense was okay, just didn't shoot the ball very well."

Howard led the Magic with nine points and five boards in the first quarter, and Orlando held a 24-21 lead after the opening 12 minutes. The Magic widened their lead to 45-41 at the half following a back-and-forth second quarter.

The Magic extended their lead to as high as nine, 58-49, at the mid point of the third. However, a quick 7-0 Lakers run made it a one-possession game with 3:37 left in the third.

The teams traded baskets down the stretch, and on the final possession of the quarter Gilbert Arenas threw a long shot towards the basket from the right sideline, and Howard converted it in for a slam to give Orlando a 67-60 lead entering the final stanza.

Howard added a short jumper and running basket to open up the fourth quarter scoring, and after his putback slam and three-point conversion at 5:38 the Orlando lead was 84-69.

The Magic lead reached a game-high 18 with another Howard three-point conversion. However, before the lead could get any higher Howard left the game with an injury.

The Orlando big-man left the game in the closing minutes of the game after a cut opened up around his right eye. He suffered the cut while battling with Odom for a loose ball.

With Howard out of the game, the Lakers ended the game with a Shannon Brown tip shot and a pair of Odom free throws to account for the final margin.

"I just personally think we have to be consistent in whatever we do," Howard said. "The way we played tonight is the way we have to play if we want to be considered a great team. If we continue to do that there's no doubt in my mind that we'll be chasing another championship."

Game Notes

The Magic held a 46-34 rebounding advantage...Orlando will host Washington before the All-Star break and complete the home stand with visits from Sacramento, Oklahoma City, Charlotte and New York...Jameer Nelson, Brandon Bass, J.J. Redick and Earl Clark each supplied six points for the victors...In the three games this season each team has won on their home court...Orlando is 20-8 at home, while the Lakers are 19-9 on the road...The Lakers will end their road swing with visits to Charlotte and Cleveland before hosting the All-Star game at Staples Center.