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February 23, 2010

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Howard casts a spell as Magic overcome Cavs

THE Orlando Magic beat the Cleveland Cavaliers for the first time this season, winning 101-95 on Sunday.

Dwight Howard claimed 22 points and 16 rebounds as Orlando floored its fiercest Eastern Conference rival.

"I was just attacking the basket and trying to use my quickness against their big men," Howard said.

"We have to play inside out and continue to do that if we're going to beat this team. I'm not satisfied, but I'm happy with our progress."

LeBron James scored a game-high 33 points but was held to three in the final period as the Cavaliers (43-14) lost a third straight game for the first time this season.

Cleveland's skid came on the heels of a 13-game win streak.

Elsewhere in the National Basketball Association, it was: Nuggets 114, Celtics 105; Pistons 109, Spurs 101 (in overtime); Grizzlies 104, Nets 94; Thunder 109, Timberwolves 107; Hornets 102, Rockets 94; Warriors 108, Hawks 104; Suns 104, Kings 88; and Jazz 93, Trail Blazers 89 (in OT).

In Orlando, Florida, the Cavaliers led 85-80 with less than six minutes left but the Magic (38-19) went on a 9-0 scoring burst to seize the advantage.

Rashard Lewis clinched the win on a three-pointer with 20 seconds remaining.

Lewis had 15 points and the Magic also received big support in the fourth from Jameer Nelson (18) and Vince Carter (11) who had eight each in the pivotal period.

Shaquille O'Neal made his first eight shots and finished with 20 points for the Cavaliers, who were eliminated by Orlando in last year's Eastern Conference finals.

In Denver, JR Smith scored 16 of his 19 points in the fourth quarter as Denver recovered to beat Boston after blowing an early 20-point lead.

Chauncey Billups had 26 points and Carmelo Anthony added 23 for the Nuggets, who avoided back-to-back losses for the first time since late December.

Ray Allen had 25 points and Kevin Garnett, Rajon Rondo and Marquis Daniels added 15 points apiece for the Celtics.





 

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