Howard powers Magic to 101-95 win over Cavs

(Agencies)
Updated: 2010-02-22 09:56

ORLANDO: Dwight Howard had 22 points and 16 rebounds in a bruising battle with Shaquille O'Neal as the Orlando Magic beat Cleveland 101-95 on Sunday to hand the Cavaliers their first three-game losing streak in two years.

Howard powers Magic to 101-95 win over Cavs

Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard goes to the basket over Cleveland Cavaliers center Shaquille O'Neal (L) during second half NBA basketball action in Orlando, Florida February 21, 2010. [Agencies]

Cleveland's skid comes on the heels of a 13-game win streak.

Howard was 8-for-13 shooting and added four blocks, and Vince Carter had eight of his 11 points in the fourth quarter to help the Magic beat Cleveland for the first time this season.

O'Neal made his first eight shots and finished with 20 points, and LeBron James had 33 points and nine rebounds for the Cavaliers, who were eliminated by Orlando in last year's Eastern Conference finals. Nuggets 114, Celtics 105=

At Denver, J.R. Smith scored 16 of his 19 points in the fourth quarter as Denver recovered to beat Boston after blowing an early 20-point lead.

Chauncey Billups had 26 points and Carmelo Anthony added 23 for the Nuggets, who avoided back-to-back losses for the first time since late December with the victory over the NBA's top road team.

Ray Allen had 25 points and Kevin Garnett, Rajon Rondo and Marquis Daniels added 15 points apiece for the Celtics, who lost for the first time in their last four road games. They remain an NBA-best 20-10 away from home.