Howard rises to challenge to help Magic down Hawks
Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard (12) shoots over Atlanta Hawks forward Josh Smith (5) in the second half of NBA basketball action in Atlanta, Georgia, November 26, 2009.
Credit: Reuters/Tami Chappell
ATLANTA (Reuters) - Dwight Howard responded to a halftime challenge from his coach to lead the Orlando Magic to a 93-76 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Thursday.
Howard amassed 22 points and 17 rebounds as the Magic recovered from a slow start to hand the Hawks their first home loss of the season.
"He's a monster," team mate Anthony Johnson told reporters of Howard. "At halftime, the coach challenged him to be the best man on the court and he stepped up and did that."
Atlanta was attempting to record a 8-0 home start for the first time since the 1993-94 season but instead slipped to a second straight defeat, despite 22 points from Joe Johnson.
The Hawks took a 51-39 lead into halftime but quickly lost momentum in the second half.
Vince Carter recorded 21 points and nine rebounds for the Magic, who surged ahead on the back of a 21-6 run in the fourth quarter that put the visitors 90-73 ahead with 1:36 left.
The win moved Orlando (12-4) ahead of the Hawks (11-4) at the top of the Southeast Division.
Atlanta has been a surprise package in the Eastern Conference this season thanks in part to improved play from young forward Josh Smith and the acquisition of key reserve Jamal Crawford.
Smith had 13 points and 13 rebounds and the Hawks closed the first half with a 16-3 run and held the Magic to just one field goal in that stretch.
However, the game turned in the third when Atlanta was outscored 28-14.
"We became a jump shooting team in the third quarter," Atlanta coach Mike Woodson said. "They were going inside and getting to the free throw line and they made shots."
Last season's Defensive Player of the Year, Howard showed his offense with 10 points in the pivotal third and also finished with four blocks.
Anthony Johnson had 17 points off the bench as he helps fill the void of injured Orlando point guard Jameer Nelson, who is out with a knee injury.
The Hawks starting point guard Mike Bibby was forced from the team's previous game after hurting his ankle but he returned with 10 points and five assists in the loss.
(Writing by Jahmal Corner in Los Angeles; Editing by John O'Brien)
