Howard Breaks Record As Magic Beat Pacers
Dwight Howard became Orlando’s all-time leading scorer Tuesday night as the Magic picked up a convincing 102-83 win in Indianapolis against the Indiana Pacers.
Orlando’s win came just one night after posting franchise lows for points, field goals and field goal percentage in a 31-point loss to the Boston Celtics.
Led by 10 first-quarter points from both Danny Granger and Roy Hibbert, Indiana got off to a quick start. The Pacers led by seven entering the second period and had a chance to extend that lead even further when Howard, a five-time All-Star, picked up his third foul.
However, even without the NBA’s leading rebounder, the Magic were able to erase their deficit entirely.
Due in part to fourth-year forward Ryan Anderson’s sharpshooting and rebounding, Orlando took a commanding lead in the 3rd quarter and never looked back. Anderson led all scorers with 24 points and hauled down eight rebounds, six of which came on the offensive end.
“Orlando is not ‘The Dwight Howard Show,’” Pacers coach Frank Vogel said following the game. “When Dwight came out, they all raised their energy level.”
Howard returned in the second half, finishing with 14 points and passing Nick Anderson as the Magic’s franchise leader in points scored.
“It’s a great honor,” Howard said. “Not too many players can say that they have been a franchise’s leading scorer. It’s a humbling experience. I thank God just for keeping my body healthy and giving me the ability to play this game and do the things I’ve been doing on the floor for eight years.”
Howard’s record-breaking performance helped the Magic hand the Pacers their first home loss of the season, leaving Chicago as the last remaining team with a perfect home court record.
Even after the 19-point win, the Magic spoke highly of the hometown Pacers.
Orlando coach Stan Van Gundy noted Indiana’s size and ability to create mismatches while describing the Pacers defense as outstanding.
Howard called Indiana point guard Darren Collison one of the fastest guards in the league.
“I think they’re going to be a really good team this year,” Anderson added. “They’re going to prove a lot of people wrong.”
When asked if the Pacers had a chance to emerge as a contender in the Eastern Conference, Howard was short and to the point: “Of course.”

