ORLANDO, Fla., Nov. 4 (UPI) -- Dwight Howard had 25 points Wednesday to lead the Orlando Magic to a 122-100 rout of Phoenix, the Suns' first loss in the new NBA season.
Orlando seized control by scoring 25 of the first 33 points in the third period following a slim 58-52 halftime lead. Howard's layup capped a 7-0 run, giving Orlando a 68-54 lead with 9:40 left in the third, and Phoenix trailed by double digits from that point.
Ryan Anderson scored 20 with 10 rebounds, Jameer Nelson had 16 points with 10 assists and Mickael Pietrus scored 15, sinking 3-of-5 3-point attempts. Matt Barnes scored 13 with 11 rebounds and five assists, while Brandon Bass added 12 points for the Magic, who have won four of five.
Amare Stoudemire led Phoenix with 25 points and 14 rebounds. Jared Dudley scored 17 points, Goran Dragic had 15 with four rebounds and six assists, and Steve Nash scored 12 with four assists for the Suns.
