Howard -- defending Defensive Player of the Year and first-team All-NBA center -- has played exceptionally well in the last two victories in Atlanta and Milwaukee.

He had 22 points, 17 rebounds and four blocked shots against the Hawks. He then had 25 points, 20 rebounds and four blocks against the Bucks.

"It feels good right now," Howard said.

Howard has spent much of the early season in foul trouble, which limited his minutes and limited his points, rebounds and blocked shots. And the Magic know they will go only as far as Howard takes them.

With Howard dictating the flow of their inside/outside attack, Howard needs to be on top of his game for everyone else to benefit from his presence. And he has been lately.

The Magic, with Howard anchoring both the defense and offense, have won 20 consecutive games, dating to February of last season, in which they have scored at least 100 points.

MAGIC 100, BUCKS 98: Vince Carter had 25 points and six rebounds to help the Magic erase an early deficit and thump the slumping Bucks. The Magic (13-4) have the best record in the Eastern Conference, while the Bucks lost their fourth consecutive game after leading most of the way. Rashard Lewis hit the winning basket on a driving layup. Dwight Howard had 25 points and 20 rebounds.