There is bad blood between the Sixers and the Magic, and it all starts with Magic center Dwight Howard. But at least he can't cause more harm in Game 6.
Howard was suspended for one game by the NBA on Wednesday, the day after he led the Magic to a Game 5 victory, giving them a 3-2 series lead, but also elbowed Philly center Samuel Dalenbert in the face early in the game. Howard drew a technical foul on the play but was not ejected. Not only was Howard suspended; the Magic also learned that guard Courtney Lee will miss Game 6 because of a fractured sinus -- the result of another errant Howard elbow. With those two out, it almost certainly means there will be a Game 7 on Saturday in Orlando.
Howard had 24 points and 24 rebounds in leading the Magic to victory Tuesday. Guard Michael Pietrus was the second-leading rebounder for the Magic with six.
Sixers coach Tony DiLeo also complained about the time Howard is allowed to spend inside the three-second lane without being called for a violation.
Magic coach Stan Van Gundy, after listening to DiLeo, then criticized the Sixers coach for trying to lobby officials.
"Is that what it has come to?" Van Gundy said. "Are we going to sit here and lobby for calls we want the next game?"
MAGIC 91, SIXERS 78: With Dwight Howard grabbing a career playoff high 24 rebounds, the Magic dominated the Sixers around the basket, taking a 3-2 lead in their best-of-seven first-round playoff series lead. Howard had 10 offensive rebounds and 24 points. The Magic held a 45-33 rebound lead. Andre Iguodala had 26 points for the Sixers. The Magic got a series-high 24 points from Rashard Lewis, who had 13 in the final period. The Magic never trailed in the second half.
