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Howard powering Magic's success

Dec 9, 2008 - 11:37 AM Orlando (16-5) at Portland (15-7) 10:00 p.m. EST

PORTLAND, Oregon (Ticker) -- Dwight Howard's domination continues to power the Orlando Magic.

Howard and the Magic go for their fourth straight win on Tuesday when they visit the Portland Trail Blazers.

A 23-year-old center, Howard poured in 23 points and added 22 rebounds and six blocks, pacing Orlando to its seventh victory in eight games - a 95-88 win against the lowly Los Angeles Clippers on Monday.

It was the 17th double-double for Howard this season, the most in the NBA, and was also the second consecutive game and third time this campaign that the All-Star has recorded at least 20 points and 20 rebounds.

Howard had 21 points and 23 rebounds during a nine-point victory against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday after posting 32 and 21 during a 110-96 triumph over the Indiana Pacers on November 29.

The Magic hope Howard can put together another stellar performance against the Trail Blazers, who are coming off a narrow 98-97 victory against the Toronto Raptors on Sunday.

Steve Blake scored 19 points and hit a go-ahead 3-pointer with eight seconds left, helping Portland bounce back from Friday's 93-78 setback to the Boston Celtics that snapped a six-game winning streak.