D-12 finishes with 39 points on first return to face the Magic.
The Los Angeles Lakers sealed a 106-97 win over the Orlando Magic on Tuesday night, with Dwight Howard leading the way with a season-high 39 points.
Making his first appearance at the Amway Center since his acrimonious departure in the off season, Howard was greeted with a chorus of boos as he was introduced as being in the Lakers starting line-up.
Much was made of his return to the city which he left last summer after eight seasons together, as local radio stations and newspapers all criticised him in the build-up.
However, it had little effect on his game as he went on to enjoy one of his most productive nights in a Lakers jersey so far this season. He also tied an NBA record as he attempted 39 free throws, making 25 of them, as the Magic went for the ‘Hack-a-Howard’ strategy.
Unfortunately for them and the frustrated crowd, it didn’t work as Howard silenced them with his high scoring game and 16 rebounds.
Check out the video below to see highlights from Howard’s return to Orlando:
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