The Orlando Magic defeated the New Jersey Nets 94-78 at Amway Arena on Thursday night. Playing the team with which he has been linked to in rampant trade rumors, Dwight Howard put on a show in the paint, cleaning up on the glass and finishing with 24 rebounds. Howard was dominant against an overmatched New Jersey front line, playing without the injured Brook Lopez. Kris Humphries, one of the league's best rebounders in his own right, offered little resistance to Howard.
Orlando's All-Star center led all Magic players with a +23 while on the floor. He was helped in the frontcourt by Ryan Anderson, who continued his hot shooting from outside against the Nets. He was three of five from behind the arc and finished with a team high 22 points. The Magic were impressive on the defensive end against one of the league's worst teams. Deron Williams was a woeful two for 12 from the floor and was held to just ten points.
The Magic will now head out on the road to face the Charlotte Bobcats on the second night of a back-to-back.
For more Magic coverage, please visit Orlando Pinstriped Post, SB Nation's Magic blog. For the perspective from the other side, please visit SB Nation New York and NetsDaily, SB Nation's Nets blog.