NBA: Orlando 111, New York 87

ORLANDO, Fla., March 22 (UPI) -- Dwight Howard, given a backup role for the first time in his NBA career, scored 23 points Wednesday night as Orlando downed the New York Knicks, 111-87.

Howard had started 149 consecutive games, but because he missed the morning practice session he was put on the bench by Coach Brian Hill. Howard added seven rebounds and keyed a 14-2 run in the first period that broke open the game.

Hedo Turkoglu contributed 16 points for Orlando while Jameer Nelson and Dark Milicic had 13 each. The Magic halted a two-game slide by winning its fifth straight game at home.

Eddy Curry had 15 points for the Knicks, losers of three straight.