Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard dominated the glass Wednesday night, grabbing 18 rebounds in a 105-94 win over the Miami Heat. The loss was Miami’s third straight in a tumultuous early-season stretch for head coach Erik Spoelstra. In addition to the on-court troubles for the Heat, Spoelstra has come under fire from critics, with Phil Jackson wondering if it was time for a change earlier in the day.
Heat Vs. Magic: Dwight Howard Shines In Orlando Win, 105-94
Howard led the Magic with 24 points to go along with his 18 rebounds. While Howard was the interior threat, J.J. Redick was everywhere else, scoring 20 points on five of 12 shooting. Point guard Jameer Nelson dished-out a game-high 14 assists before being ejected with under a minute to go in the game. Nelson picked up a second technical for jawing with the Heat bench after drawing a foul. Brandon Bass added 18 points, 16 of which came in the first half, off the bench.
LeBron James’ 25 points led all scoring in a losing effort for the Heat. Chris Bosh continued his solid play, scoring 21 points and grabbing eight rebounds. Dwyane Wade added 18 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Outside of the big three, production was low for the Heat. James, Bosh and Wade were the only Heat players in double figures, with the Miami bench adding just 15 points.
Miami fell to 8-7 with the loss, the third straight for the struggling Heat. Orlando improved to 10-4 with the win. Miami hosts the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday while Orlando takes-on the Cleveland Cavaliers at home.
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