National Basketball Association

Howard notches double-double, Magic top Hawks

Published Nov. 27, 2009 9:46 a.m. ET

foxsports

Dwight Howard and the Orlando Magic made sure the Atlanta Hawks don't have illusions about their strong start.

All it took was Magic coach Stan Van Gundy challenging Howard to play smarter and harder.

"I came out in the second half and just trusted my teammates," Howard said. "They made some open shots and I tried to dominate the paint. It doesn't matter if we're down 20, we're going to continue to fight."