Pietrus returns, leads Magic to 135-111 win

ORLANDO, Fla.(AP) Mickael Pietrus came back from his broken wrist as good as new.He had 27 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Orlando Magic to a 135-111 victory Tuesday night over the Indiana Pacers.Pietrus,
who missed the previous 12 games with a broken right wrist, came off
the bench to lead a well-balanced Magic attack. Seven players reached
double figures scoring, including Rashard Lewis with 24 points and
Dwight Howard with 22."They are the best team in the East,''
Indiana's Danny Granger said. "Two words - Dwight Howard - explain it.
He is the most dominant player since Shaquille O'Neal - hands down.''The
Magic used the return of Pietrus to strengthen their inside-outside
attack that revolves around Howard and involves plenty of shooters on
the perimeter. They reached their second-highest point total this
season."I still have my shot. That didn't go anywhere,'' Pietrus
said. "I didn't leave it at home. I came back aggressive and with
plenty of energy. I was rested and ready to come back.''The Magic, who never trailed, snapped a two-game losing streak.T.J Ford, had 23 points for the Pacers and Granger, who came into the game averaging 26.1 points, had only 10.The
Magic hit 45 of 82 shots (54.9 percent) and 15 of 33 from 3-point
range. It was the most 3-pointers against the Pacers this season.With
Howard dominating around the basket, the Magic held a 50-29 rebound
advantage. The Pacers, who came into the game ranked 28th in defense,
offered little resistance defensively."They've got the whole
package,'' Pacers coach Jim O'Brien said. "They have Howard in the
middle and they are so long at the 3-point line.''Notes: Pietrus
had missed 22 of the last 27 games because of right thumb and right
wrist injuries. Rookie Courtney Lee remained the starter at shooting
guard. ... The Pacers have lost nine of 14 games that have been decided
by 3 points or less.