Magic Take The Sting Out Of Hornets Win 95-88

NBA Eastern Conference Player of the week Dwight Howard, celebrated his award Monday night. He did his partying out on the hardwood, leading his team the Orlando Magic to a 95-88 win over the Charlotte Hornets 95-88. Howard, who was named by the league Monday as the award winner scored 24 points and had 15 rebound for Orlando.

The Magic dominated the game in the first half leading the Hornets 33-17 after the first quarter, and 53-43 at the half. New Orleans however made some half time adjustments and cut Orlando’s lead to just 2 points, 70-68 at the end of the third period. However a key basket in the waning moments of the game by Orlando guard Jameer Nelson, turned the tide, and knocked the Hornets out of the contest.

Nelson had 16 points for Orlando who now with the win have a record of 10-2. Rashard Lewis had 19 points, and 7 rebounds for the Magic, Hedo Turkoglu had 15 points, and 7 boards, while Kenyon Dooling came off the bench to also score 15. New Orleans for the second game in a row was without their court leader, point guard Chris Paul who has a sprained ankle. The Hornets also lost center Tyson Chandler in the second quarter, after he hyper-extended his right knee. His status according to the team is day to day. The Hornets were led by Peja Stojakovic who had 21 points, point guard Janero Pargo substituting for Paul had 18 points and 7 assists. David West had 14 points, Morris Peterson had 11 points and 7 rebounds, while Melvin Ely contributed 10 points off the bench. New Orleans now stands at 9-3.