The Orlando Magic cruised to a 92-80 win over the Los Angeles Lakers at Amway Arena on Friday night. The Lakers came to town on the second night of a back-to-back, weary after playing their starters for nearly the entire game on Thursday in a relatively non-competitive matchup against the Heat.
Playing against one of the best frontcourts in the league, Dwight Howard simply dominated the Lakers on the glass. He finished with a 20-20 game, grabbing 23 boards and pitching in 21 points. Howard immediately got Andrew Bynum into foul trouble and then went to work from there. Jameer Nelson hit three of four from behind the arc and added 17 points against a weak Laker point guard spot. All five starters were in double figures.
The Lakers looked tired from the tip, shooting less than 30 percent in the first half. Kobe Bryant dropped in 30 points, but he had little help. LA tried to make a run in the fourth but they just didn't have enough gas as Orlando quickly countered any momentum. Coming off the overtime loss to San Antonio, it was crucial for the Magic to pounce on the weary Lakers. And they did just that. They now enjoy two days off before traveling to Boston to face the aging Celtics on the second day of a back-to-back.
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.