In his return to Orlando, Dwight Howard was greeted with the Hack-a-Howard. In their other matchup, Magic coach Jacque Vaughn employed the tactic and it worked, as Howard only shot 9-21 from the line. Tonight was a different story as Dwight made 25 of 39 from the line, including 16-20 when they used hack-a-Howard.
With the 39 attempts and 25 makes, Howard broke several Laker records and even tied his own NBA record of most free throw attempts in a regular season game. Howard broke former Lakers’ center Shaquille O’Neal’s record of 31 attempts and his 25 makes broke Kobe Bryant’s record of 23 made free throws.
Although Howard has struggled from the line on a consistent basis this year, it seems the Hack-a-Dwight got him into a good rhythm. He hit 23 of his last 30 free throws after only making two of his first nine. He posted a great line of 39 points, 16 rebounds, and three blocks, while securing a win in his first game back in Orlando.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjIwevX7Fck
