Howard dominates in Magic win over Pacers

NDIANAPOLIS(AP) Dwight Howard had 24 points, 17 rebounds and five
blocks, and the Orlando Magic beat the Indiana Pacers 100-98 in
overtime on Friday night.


Howard blocked a potential game-winning shot at the end of
regulation, then altered what would have been a game-tying shot in the
closing seconds of overtime.


Rashard Lewis scored 23 points for the Magic and made what
turned out to be the game-winning basket with 23 seconds left in
overtime. Jameer Nelson added 22 points and nine assists in Orlando's
fifth straight win.


Marquis Daniels scored 25 points, T.J. Ford had 22 and Danny Granger added 21 for the Pacers.


Indiana could have taken the lead in the final minute of
overtime, but Howard blocked Troy Murphy's layup against the backboard
with two hands, and Orlando rebounded.


Lewis' long baseline jumper with 23 seconds left gave Orlando a 100-98 lead.


Indiana called timeout with 11 seconds left in the extra period
to set up a chance to tie or win. Ford missed a fading baseline jumper
over Howard, and Orlando rebounded and ran out the clock.


Orlando could have taken the lead in the final seconds of
regulation with the score tied at 91, but Nelson missed a long jumper.
Granger wrested the rebound away from Howard, then called timeout with
6.2 seconds left.


Indiana center Rasho Nesterovic drove to the hoop for what
would have been the game-winner, but Howard blocked the shot to force
overtime.


Notes: Former Pacers G Anthony Johnson played 14 minutes for
the Magic. ... Pacers G Mike Dunleavy sat out again with a sore right
knee. He has not played this season. ... Orlando coach Stan Van Gundy
interviewed for the Pacers job two years ago before it eventually was
given to Jim O'Brien. ... WABA heavyweight boxing champion Lamon
Brewster, an Indianapolis native, was in attendance. He will defend his
title against Bruce Seldon on Nov. 29 at Conseco Fieldhouse.