Dwight Howard had both a record setting and a monster night as his Orlando Magic team layed the smackdown on the Golden State Warriors Thursday night. The Magic won the contest beating the Warriors with a final score of 117-109.
Howard broke Wilt Chamberlain’s nearly 50-year-old NBA record for most free throw attempts in a game, making 21 of 39 (still a poor free throwing shooting percentage of 53%). Howard also finished the game with 45 points and 23 rebounds, leading the Magic to their third straight victory.
It also marked the first time a player had at least 40 points and 20 rebounds since Shaquille O’Neal; another poor free throw shooter who had 48 points and 20 rebounds against the Celtics on March 1, 2003.
The Warriors hacked Howard intentionally throughout, sending the notoriously poor shooter to the line early and often. Chamberlain, who Howard idolized growing up and used to have a photo clipping of the center in his Orlando locker, shot 34 for the Philadelphia Warriors against St. Louis on Feb. 22, 1962.
“I just tried to be aggressive and get to the line. I didn’t care if I missed 30,” Howard said. “I was still going to go up there and shoot the next one with confidence.”
Howard has shot just below 60 percent at the line for his career and entered the game at just 42 percent this season…ouch!
Video:
