Magic regain edge
ORLANDO (AP) – The Orlando Magic seem to be at their best when they’re shorthanded.
Dwight Howard had 17 points, 14 rebounds and five blocks to lift the Magic to a 117-96 victory over the Boston Celtics Friday night and a 2-1 series lead in their Eastern Conference semifinal.
Rashard Lewis had 28 points, and Hedo Turkoglu scored 24 for Orlando, which played without starting point guard Rafer Alston. He was suspended by the NBA for slapping Eddie House in the back of the head in Game 2.
Paul Pierce broke out of his series slump to score 27 points, and Rajon Rondo added 15 for the defending champion Celtics, who trimmed a 20-point deficit to seven before the Magic regained control.
Game 4 is Sunday in Orlando.
Howard, the defensive player of the year, had four blocks in the first half, forcing the Celtics into a jumpshooting team much like the Magic did to win Game 1.
On the first play of the second quarter, Howard soared so high he had to brace his left hand against the backboard so he wouldn’t smack his head, swatting Stephon Marbury’s layup attempt into the stands.