(Sports Network) - Dwight Howard poured in 20 points, pulled down 22 rebounds, and blocked four shots, as the Orlando Magic took down the New Jersey Nets, 95-85, at the Izod Center.

The story of the night was Vince Carter making his return to New Jersey, where he spent four-plus seasons before coming to Orlando in a trade during the offseason, but he left the game early.

Carter tallied 16 points and four assists before spraining his left ankle late in the second quarter. The North Carolina product was driving to the lane when he stepped on ex-teammate Devin Harris' foot, rolling his ankle in the process. Carter went to the ground immediately and reached for his left ankle. He was assisted to the locker room before halftime and didn't return to the game.

Ryan Anderson, who also came to Orlando in the Carter trade, tallied 16 points for the Magic, who blitzed Philadelphia, 120-106, on Wednesday. Brandon Bass and J.J. Redick had 13 and 12 points, respectively, off the bench for the victors.

Courtney Lee had 18 points for the Nets, who lost 95-93 to the Timberwolves on Wednesday. Harris added 16 points, seven assists, and five rebounds. Yi Jianlian and Brook Lopez ended with 12 and 11 points, respectively, in defeat.

Orlando scored the first seven points of the third period to jump out to a 57-44 lead. Howard got things started with a dunk and Nelson capped the spurt with a pair of free throws and a three-pointer.

A Chris Douglas-Roberts slam brought the Nets within 61-56 with 5:16 left in the third, but the Magic scored the final six points of the quarter to build a 75-62 margin heading to the fourth.

New Jersey never got closer than nine in the final stanza.

The Magic held onto a 29-24 lead after 12 minutes of play. Ahead 37-35 with about 5 1/2 minutes to go until half, Orlando ripped off eight consecutive points to build a 10-point lead. Anderson and Carter each hit a three-pointer to top off the flurry.

The Magic led 50-44 after two quarters of action.

Game Notes

It was the 24th career 20-point, 20-rebound game for Howard...The Magic shot 49.3 percent from the field, while the Nets made just 38.3 percent of their shots...Orlando won two of three over New Jersey last season and has taken seven of nine in the series overall...Lee, Rafer Alston and Tony Battie were also a part of the Carter trade that sent him to the Magic.



Copyright 2009 The Sports Network
All rights reserved

 Email To Friend