Howard’s 25-24 leads Magic victory over Miami, tops S&Ds

Dwight Howard might not be a member of the Orlando Magic for much longer.

But if the All-Star center is leaving his team, he’s leaving “Magic City” with a boatload of memories about his strong inside play.

Howard muscled for 25 points and 24 rebounds to lead the Magic’s 102-89 victory over Miami Wednesday night.

It was his 43rd career 20-20 game, including his sixth this season.  His 24 rebounds were within one of his season high — 25 against the Spurs on Jan. 18 — as the toyed with the Heat inside.

His inside game open up the perimeter for the Magic to hit 17 3-pointers

“They shot the 3 extremely well and the big fella in the middle took care of his 20 and 20 once again,” Miami forward LeBron James said. “Sometimes you have to pick your poison, but we gave up both tonight. They are an extremely tough team to beat when they are making the 3s and the big fella is doing what he wants.”

Whether “the big fella” is there much longer will be determined by Howard, his agents and Orlando’s management.

But in the meantime, Howard produced another effort worthy of leading Wednesday’s Studs and Duds.

STUDS

Orlando C Dwight Howard: Went for 25 points, 24 rebounds, four assists, three steals, two blocks and was plus-8 in the Magic’s victory over Miami.

San Antonio G Tony Parker: Erupted for 37 points, eight assists, three rebounds and was plus-5 in the Spurs’ victory at Philadephia.

Atlanta F Josh Smith: Filled the stat sheet for 28 points, 12 rebounds, five steals, three assists, three steals and was plus-12 in the Hawks’ triumph over Indiana. 

New York G Jeremy Lin: Notched 23 points and 10 assists — his third straight 20-plus scoring game — four rebounds and was plus-18 in the Knicks’ triumph at Washington.

Milwaukee G Carlos Delfino: Produced 25 points, nine rebounds, four steals and two assists in the Bucks’ victory at Toronto.  

New Jersey G Deron Williams: Went for 34 points, including six 3-pointers, and added seven assists in the Nets’ loss to Detroit.

DUDS

Philadelphia C Nikola Vucevic: Missed all four shots with four turnovers and was minus-9 in the Sixers’ loss to the Spurs.

Chicago G C.J. Watson: Went 1 for 10 from the field with four turnovers and was minus-3 in the Bulls’ victory at New Orleans.

Portland G Raymond Felton: Struggled through a 4-for-11 shooting night with five turnovers and was minus-2 in the Trail Blazers’ loss to Houston.

Houston G Goran Dragic: The Spurs killer went 3 for 9 from the field with five turnovers in the Rockets’ victory over Portland.

Dallas G Jason Terry: The lippy guard that Spurs Nation loves to hate went 1 of 9 from the field with a turnover and was minus-2 in the Mavericks’ victory at Denver.

Indiana G Paul George: Went 1 for 8 from the field with three turnovers and was minus-13 in the Pacers’ loss at Atlanta.

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