Johnson, 34, has started the last two games in place of injured starter Jameer Nelson, and he has been just what the coaches ordered for this team.

He is no star, but he knows exactly how to keep the offense running smoothly without its starting quarterback.

"I've been around the league for some time," he said. "I know what to do."

Johnson played 75 minutes combined in the two road games -- both victories -- and committed a combined one turnover. On Thursday, he had seven points, 12 assists and no turnovers in 38 minutes at Washington.

He kept getting the ball to Dwight Howard, Hedo Turkoglu and Rashard Lewis, making sure he didn't get in anyone's way.

The Magic were a little nervous when the season started because Nelson was still suspect as the starter and last year's backups, Carlos Arroyo and Keyon Dooling, left as free agents.

Johnson has calmed any fears about the point guard situation. He has played a similar role in his last few NBA stops in Atlanta, Sacramento, Dallas and Indiana, getting starts only when someone else is injured or struggles.

MAGIC 105, WIZARDS 90: A night after winning a close game in Philadelphia, the Magic played like a team that knows it is good, rolling to an easy victory over the Wizards. The Magic came out strong, never trailed and withstood a strong third-quarter comeback by the Wizards. Dwight Howard dominated with 26 points, 14 rebounds and three blocked shots, getting three Washington centers in foul trouble. Hedo Turkoglu had 20 points and 10 rebounds.