Catching the Lakers on the second night of a back-to-back, the Orlando Magic jumped on the Los Angeles Lakers early on Friday night resulting in a 48-31 halftime lead. Many wondered why Laker coach Mike Browns played his starters throughout the fourth quarter last night, in a game that was never really in doubt in Miami. They paid the price at Amway Arena, as Dwight Howard drew two quick early fouls on Andrew Bynum, forcing him to the bench. Howard finished with 15 rebounds and added ten points against one of the few front lines in the NBA that do not consistently need to double him. But the early Bynum foul trouble did away with that capability.
After a cold shooting night in Miami, Kobe Bryant was the only Laker to get anything really going on the offensive end. He added 15 points on six of ten shooting, but no one else came close as Los Angeles shot less than 30 percent from the floor. Orlando will look to keep up the pressure in the second half and improve to 6-2 at home this season.
For more on the Magic, please visit Orlando Pinstriped Post, SB Nation's Magic blog. For the perspective from the other side, please visit ESPN Los Angeles and Silver Screen and Roll, SB Nation's Lakers blog.