Howard’s Block Helps Magic Win In OT Over Pacers 100-98

Posted by Stephen Rhodes under NBA Game Recap

I think we all knew that Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard is an offensive juggernaut and is a force on defense. Once again, Howard validated my point as on Friday in Orlando’s matchup against the Indiana Pacers, Howard’s defense proved to be the difference as he blocked Troy Murphy’s layup with both hands against the backboard, helping the Magic escape from Conseco Fieldhouse with the 100-98 win over the Pacers in overtime.

Both teams shot relatively well in the first half as Indiana would go into halftime with a narrow 54-50 lead; the main drama, however, took place in the fourth quarter. The Magic had the chance to take the lead late in the period with the score tied at 91, but Jameer Nelson’s jumper was long; Indiana’s Danny Granger got the rebound then called a timeout with 6.2 seconds left in regulation. Rasho Nesterovic’s driving layup was unsuccessful as Howard blocked the shot to force the overtime period.

Indiana could have taken the lead in the extra frame, but Howard blocked Murphy’s layup against the backboard and Orlando rebounded; Rashard Lewis‘ jumper with 23 ticks left in OT gave the Magic a 100-98 lead. The Pacers called a timeout with 11 seconds left in the period; T.J. Ford’s jumper over Howard missed and the Magic rebounded then ran out the clock.

Three Magic players scored 20+ points, led by Howard with 24 points, 17 rebounds, an assist, a steal and 5 blocked shots while Lewis added 23 (including 4-of-4 from 3-point range) with 5 rebounds and 6 steals; Nelson chipped in, scoring 22 with 3 rebounds and 9 assists. Indiana was led by Marquis Daniels with 25 points with 5 rebounds, a steal and a blocked shot while Ford added 22 with 6 rebounds, 4 assists, a steal and a blocked shot; Granger contributed 21 (included 3 treys) with 6 rebounds, 3 assists and a blocked shot. Orlando (9-3) plays again on Saturday when they host the Houston Rockets while Indiana (5-6) travels to Florida to take on the Miami Heat – also on Saturday night.

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