Magic Vs. Sixers: Orlando Snaps Losing Streak Behind Dwight Howard’s 20-20

The Orlando Magic have been on a skid and in the midst of the NBA's latest storm of controversy in recent days. But in the eye of that storm, the Magic got an 88-82 win over the Philadelphia 76ers — and Dwight Howard made it happen with unusual contributions.

Howard had 20 points and 22 rebounds, numbers in line with his status as one of the NBA's finest low-post options. But he struggled from the field (4-of-14) and made up for it by making 12-of-18 free throws — a performance his 49 percent rate from the line this season did not quite predict — and dished out six assists to lead the Magic. Glen Davis added 23 points and 12 rebounds of his own, J.J. Redick had 19 points, and Orlando snapped a five-game losing streak with the win.

The Sixers, meanwhile, fell for the fourth straight contest, and couldn't beat a slumping Magic team despite holding it to 36.3 percent shooting from the field. No Sixers starter finished in double figures — Spencer Hawes and Elton Brand each had seven points, and the starting five combined for 31 points — but three bench players — Thaddeus Young, Lou Williams, and Jodie Meeks — had at least 15 points apiece.