Magic Vs. Bulls Recap: Dwight Howard Leads Orlando To Huge Road Win Over Chicago

The Orlando Magic responded from their embarrassing loss to the Charlotte Bobcats in a big way on Thursday night, scoring a huge road win over the Chicago Bulls. The Magic led by eight heading into the final period, but the Bulls, widely regarded as the best defensive team in the league, turned up the pressure and eventually re-took the lead with two minutes to play. But Orlando would answer and close the game on a 10-3 run to seal the 99-94 win.

Dwight Howard had a dominating game for Orlando, ending with a double-double in the first half alone. He finished the game with 29 points and 18 rebounds. Most notably, Dwight was seven of ten at the free-throw line to help carry the Magic to perhaps their biggest win of the season. Jason Richardson had another good game for the Magic, scoring 18 points and hitting four of six attempts from three-point range. Ryan Anderson joined Howard with a double-double, scoring 11 points and grabbing ten boards.

On defense, the Magic held reigning MVP Derrick Rose to just six of 22 from the field. After three straight on the road this week, the Magic now have two days off before a home game against the Paces on Sunday evening.

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Magic Vs. Bulls Score Update: Despite Late Chicago Run, Orlando Still Leads By Five At Half

The Orlando Magic lead the Chicago Bulls 57-52 after one half at United Center. Looking to rebound from their embarrassing 16-point loss to the Charlotte Bobcats, the Magic came out firing on all cylinders on the offensive end. Against perhaps the best defensive team in the league, the Magic scored 37 points in the first quarter alone - drilling their threes and pounding it in to Dwight Howard who dominated the paint.

Howard finished with a double-double in the first half alone, scoring 19 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. Jason Richardson has been an x-factor all season for Stan Van Gundy's club, and he has ten points so far. As a team, Orlando shot 54 percent from behind the arc. But it was the dominance of Howard on the interior that completely set the tone.

Unfortunately for the Magic, the Bulls finished the half on a furious 15-3 run. The final minute and a half completely took the wind out of Orlando's sails, as the Bulls cut into a sizable Magic lead. Reigning MVP Derrick Rose drilled a running 30 footer at the buzzer to give Chicago complete momentum heading into the locker room.

An animated gif of the shot below:

For more on the Magic, please visit Orlando Pinstriped Post, SB Nation's Magic blog. For the perspective from the other side, please visit SB Nation Chicago and BlogABull, SB Nation's Bulls blog. For all things NBA, visit SB Nation's NBA hub

Orlando Magic Vs. Chicago Bulls Preview: Can The Magic Rebound After Collapse In Charlotte?

The Magic begin a tough week stretch in the lead up to the trade deadline. Can they start it off on the right foot in Chicago Thursday night?