NBA: Orlando 98, Oklahoma City 89
ORLANDO, Fla., Dec. 5 -- Dwight Howard's 21 points and 23 rebounds Friday keyed the Orlando Magic's 98-89 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Orlando never trailed after Tony Battie's 15-foot jumper made it 34-32 with 5:26 left in the second period. The Magic then built a 45-39 halftime advantage.
Howard's slam made it 90-79 with 5:07 left in the contest.
Jameer Nelson scored 15 with seven assists and four steals. Hedo Turkoglu scored 13 with seven assists, while Rashard Lewis scored 11 with six rebounds for the Magic, winners in six of their last seven outings.
Russell Westbrook's 19 points, nine rebounds and five assists led Oklahoma City. Kevin Durant scored 16 with 10 rebounds.
Johan Petro scored 15 points and Chris Wilcox and Earl Watson both scored 11 points, but the Thunder sank to 2-18 overall with their fifth straight road loss. (UPI)