Dwight Howard had 18 points, 16 rebounds and eight blocks to lead the Orlando Magic to a convincing 128-86 victory over the visiting Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night.
Orlando (2-1) set a franchise record for points in a half with 78 while building a 33-point halftime lead. The loss was the third in a row for Minnesota (1-4), which was swept on its two-game Florida trip by a combined 74 points.
Vince Carter had 20 points and seven assists and Ryan Anderson and Brandon Bass scored 19 points apiece for the Magic, who made 15 3-pointers, including four each by Carter and Anderson.
Kevin Love had 24 points and nine rebounds for the Timberwolves. Corey Brewer was the only other Minnesota player in double figures with 12 points.
Jameer Nelson dished out nine assists for Orlando, which led 37-18 after one quarter.
Minnesota played without forward Michael Beasley, who fell hard on his left hip during Tuesday’s loss to Miami. Beasley could return for the Timberwolves’ home game with Atlanta on Friday.