Magic take 2-0 lead on Hawks - Gainesville Times

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Magic take 2-0 lead on Hawks

Josh Smith shoots over Orlando Magic forward Rashard Lewis and center Dwight Howard during the first half of Game 2 on Thursday in Orlando, Fla. - photo by The Associated Press

0507hawks — Josh Smith shoots over Orlando Magic forward Rashard Lewis and center Dwight Howard during the first half of Game 2 on Thursday in Orlando, Fla. - photo by The Associated Press

ORLANDO, Fla. — Maybe all the Orlando Magic needed after a slow start was a slap in the face.

Dwight Howard came back from a bloody nose to finish with 29 points and 17 rebounds, and the Magic beat the Atlanta Hawks 112-98 on Thursday night to take a 2-0 lead in the Eastern Conference semifinal series.

Vince Carter had 24 points with some big shots late and Rashard Lewis finished with 20 points, leading Orlando's 19-2 run in the fourth quarter.

The Hawks avoided embarrassment but not another road playoff loss.

Al Horford led Atlanta with 24 points, and Joe Johnson had 19.

After a 43-point loss in the opener, the Hawks led early but head home still searching for a way to stop the Magic's 12-game winning streak.

Game 3 is Saturday in Atlanta.

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