NBA Game Summary - Seattle at Orlando

02.24.2006

Orlando, FL (Basketball News) - Dwight Howard poured in 23 points and pulled down 16 rebounds, as the Orlando Magic defeated the Seattle SuperSonics, 102-89, at TD Waterhouse Center.

Grant Hill added 19 points on 8-of-11 shooting from the field, as the Magic put an end to an eight-game slide. Carlos Arroyo came off the bench and provided a nice spark with 18 points, four rebounds and four assists.

DeShawn Stevenson had 14 points and six rebounds for Orlando, which won for just the second time in its last 14 games overall.

"This was a much needed win and I was very happy with the effort that the guys gave tonight," said Orlando head coach Brian Hill. "We just came out and played very hard from the beginning of the game."

Damien Wilkins led Seattle with 21 points and six assists, as the SuperSonics lost for the ninth time in their last 11 games. Chris Wilcox donated 20 points in the loss.

Ray Allen did not play as he missed the game with a stomach flu.

Seattle was also without guard Earl Watson and forward Byron Russell, who were both acquired from Denver at Thursday’s trade deadline.

Trailing for the majority of the contest, the SuperSonics pulled to within two points early in the fourth quarter. The Magic then went on an 11-2 surge that Arroyo capped with a three-pointer to give Orlando a 89-78 lead with 6:55 remaining.

"Our starters did a good job, obviously, but I thought Carlos (Arroyo) did an excellent job coming off the bench for us," added Hill.

Back-to-back jump shots by Stevenson gave the Magic a 15-point cushion at 98-83 with 3:03 left in the game.

Seattle was unable to make it closer than a 13-point game the rest of the way as Orlando outscored them 26-18 in the final quarter.

The Magic closed out the opening quarter with a 12-2 run to take a 27-17 lead into the second stanza. Six different players scored during the stretch for Orlando.

Led by Hill’s 17 points on 7-of-7 shooting from the field, the Magic were up 58-49 at halftime. Howard also had a solid opening half, posting a double- double with 13 points and 10 rebounds.

Seattle outscored Orlando 22-18 in the third frame as the Magic led 76-71 heading into the final period.

Orlando won for the first time in the last three meetings in the series...Darko Milicic added eight points on 3-of-4 shooting from the field for the Magic...Guard/forward Trevor Ariza did not play for Orlando. He was acquired from the Knicks in the Steve Francis deal...Earlier in the day, the Magic waived guard Anfernee Hardaway and re-signed Charles Outlaw. Hardaway was acquired with Ariza...Seattle guard Luke Ridnour had 16 points and six assists...The Sonics dropped to 9-21 on the road this season.

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