Orlando Magic Dancer Shana performs during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Amway Arena on March 21, 2008 in Orlando, Florida.ORLANDO, Fla. (AP)—The Orlando Magic felt like they had something to prove after a one-point home loss earlier this week.
They responded with one of their best outings of the season Friday night.
Rashard Lewis scored 18 points and Orlando led by as many as 34 in a 113-95 win over the Philadelphia 76ers. Eight Magic players scored in double figures, and Dwight Howard had 13 points and 12 rebounds in just 23 minutes.
“We definitely wanted to send a message, especially redeem ourselves after last time in Philadelphia,” said Jameer Nelson, who had 12 points and seven assists.
It wasn’t just the Feb. 27 Philly loss, though. It was also an 87-86 disappointment Wednesday against the division rival Washington Wizards.
“I thought they would be a little bit stronger and a little bit tougher because they knew they had a game they probably should have won the other night,” Sixers coach Maurice Cheeks said. "They thought they let one get away and they probably came out with a little bit more muscle tonight.”
Louis Williams scored 18 for Philadelphia, Andre Iguodala added 14 points and reserve Rodney Carney had 11 points. The 76ers, who at 34-35 are still trying to clinch an Eastern Conference playoff spot, had won four in a row and 10 of 12.
Orlando was a blistering 14-of-23 from 3-point range for the game, compared with 4-for-13 for Philadelphia. “It’s obviously a huge part of the way we play, and a big weapon,” Magic coach Stan Van Gundy said. “It opens things up.”
“I think every team in the league is trying to figure out how to play them,” Philadelphia guard Andre Miller said of the inside-out combination with Howard. “It’s kind of tough because you have to give them their respect, and their wing players can all shoot the ball.”
Hedo Turkoglu had 16 points and nine assists and Keyon Dooling scored 13 for the Magic. Jameer Nelson had 12 points and seven assists and Maurice Evans scored 12, Keith Bogans added 11 points and Brian Cook scored 10.
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