Howard's 30 Not Enough As Celtics Take 2-0 Series Lead

By Justin Worsley

The Orlando Magic failed to win Game 2 on Tuesday night, dropping a 95-92 game to the Boston Celtics. Boston has taken command of the series with a 2-0 lead, defeating Orlando twice at the Amway Arena. This is the first since last season's NBA Finals that the Magic have suffered two consecutive home losses.

Forward Paul Pierce led the charge for the Celtics with 28 points, including three three-pointers. Pierce also scored the first nine points for the Celtics, helping open up a 9-5 lead early in the game. Pierce would eventually foul out late in the game against guard Vince Carter. Carter, however, missed both free throw opportunities, helping preserve the Celtics 95-92 lead. Prior to his late misses, Carter was a perfect 5-5 from the foul line.

After being held to only 13 points in Game 1, Magic center Dwight Howard exploded in Game 2, scoring 30 points. Howard also showed the Celtics why he won his second consecutive Defensive Player of the Year award, snagging down eight rebounds.

Magic forward Matt Barnes hit an early free throw to give Orlando a 5-4 lead, the team's first lead of the series. While Game 1 was controlled by the Celtics, Game 2 featured 14 lead changes and was tied on 10 occasions. Orlando stayed alive throughout the game, holding Boston to only 17 fourth-quarter points and taking the lead with 3:36 left off of a jump shot by Carter. Boston, however, roared back less than a minute later as center Kevin Garnett hit his own jump shot to give the Celtics a permanent lead. Garnett ended the game with 10 points and nine rebounds.

Magic guard J.J. Redick scored 16 points off the bench, however, he made a crucial error late in the game. After pulling in a rebound from a shot by Garnett, Redick drove up to half-court before calling a timeout. The move cost the team 3.4 seconds, which could have been used to set up a three-point shot. Redick, however, had to rush a pass to Jameer Nelson who's three-pointer fell just short.

Orlando will travel to Boston in a must win scenario. Boston is a perfect 32-0 once the team gains a 2-0 lead in the postseason. Their Game 2 victory, however, is the first time in franchise history that the Celtics have won Games 1 and 2 on the road. Game 3 is on Saturday May 22 at 8:30 p.m.