Lakers Vs. Magic: Dwight Howard Unstoppable Against Champs

Dwight Howard had 31 points and 13 rebounds as the Orlando Magic beat back the Los Angeles Lakers 89-75 on Sunday afternoon. The Lakers' offense was dreadful, converting just 39 percent of its shots and just two of 16 three-pointers. Orlando's own offense outside of Howard wasn't particularly efficient; the Magic finished with an offensive rating of just 105, below its standard. But the Magic defense was legitimately great, better than it has been all season (which is saying something).

Kobe Bryant shot 8-18 for 17 points, a rather inefficient but not disastrous night. Pau Gasol's line was similar: He had 11 points on 12 shots. Andrew Bynum scored 17 points on 15 shots, thanks in part to six offensive rebounds (huge against the best defensive rebounding team in the NBA). Lamar Odom drew 10 of L.A.'s 15 free throws (an oddity), but converted just half of them. The Lakers finished seven of 15 from the line, with Kobe earning zero.

The Lakers were in the game into the fourth quarter, until a 13-4 by Orlando over the middle of the final period closed the game out. That run included a span with Kobe and Pau still resting on the bench, and then in with Phil Jackson using a(n unsuccessful) three-guard line-up.