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Howard breaks FT attempts mark, Magic top Warriors

Orlando Magic's Dwight Howard (12) dunks next to Golden State Warriors' Andris Biedrins (15), of Latvia, and David Lee (10) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Oakland, Calif., Thursday, Jan. 12, 2012. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Dwight Howard broke Wilt Chamberlain’s nearly 50-year-old NBA record for most free throw attempts in a game, making 21 of 39 in the Orlando Magic’s 117-109 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Thursday night.

The Warriors hacked Howard intentionally throughout, sending the notoriously poor shooter to the line in record-setting fashion. Chamberlain shot 34 for the Philadelphia Warriors against St. Louis on Feb. 22, 1962.

Howard finished with 45 points and 23 rebounds, and Hedo Turkoglu scored 20 points to propel the Magic to their third straight victory.

Monta Ellis had 30 points and 11 assists and David Lee added 26 points and 12 rebounds for the short-handed Warriors, playing without starters Stephen Curry and Dorell Wright.

The Hack-a-Howard routine reached a whole new level.

Howard had never shot more than 24 free throws in a game — which he had four times previously — and fouled so early. Certainly, nothing compared to the Warriors’ ways.

Howard eclipsed his old mark with 2:09 remaining in the third quarter, getting hacked and held intentionally at the end of each quarter with mixed results. If nothing else, Golden State rookie coach Mark Jackson’s strategy slowed down the pace and refused to let the Magic’s potent shooters find their rhythm.

Howard tied Chamberlain’s record when Andris Biedrins fouled him — and fouled out — with 7:17 remaining in the fourth quarter, making 1 of 2 to give the Magic a 93-92 lead. Howard has shot just below 60 percent at the line for his career.

Golden State almost managed an upset behind the tactic.

Klay Thompson put the Warriors ahead 107-106 on a 3-pointer with a little less than 3 minutes remaining, only to see Howard respond on the other end quickly. Howard floated a hook shot and then made a free throw to put the Magic back in front by two.

After Ellis made a runner to even the score, Howard grabbed an offensive rebound on the next possession and finished strong at the rim while getting fouled by Lee — who also fouled out on the play. Howard made the free throw to complete a three-point conversion.

 

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