Dwight Howard handled his return to Orlando by dominating in the game. He scored a season-high 39 points, had 16 rebounds and was sent to the free-throw line 39 times by his former team as the Lakers beat the Magic, 106-97.
Check out the report and video of Howard being booed during intros…
Via ESPN:
The victory came in Howard’s first return to Orlando since his drama-filled offseason trade to the Lakers. He endured a chorus of boos throughout, and tied his own NBA record for free-throw attempts.
The majority of them came as the Magic tried to employ an intentional foul strategy. It backfired, though, as the All-Star center hit on 16-of-20 attempts in the second half. It silenced his detractors and more importantly, helped the Lakers secure their fourth straight victory and keep from slipping in their playoff chase.
His reception aside, Howard said he left the court still thankful for the support he got during his eight years in Orlando.
“I wasn’t nervous tonight. I was looking forward to playing here,” Howard said. “It was a hostile environment, but I think that was something that was good for me. For my progress as a player, I think I needed that tonight.”
Boos rained down on the All-Star center almost every time he touched the basketball. They were followed by louder cheers when he missed a free throw.
“I think it was something I needed, to come back and I think it was something that the city needed, too,” he said. “It’s closure. We can all move on. We had eight great years. People are going to feel the way they feel. I totally understand that.”
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