Magic serves notice it's an East contender

ORLANDO, Fla. - The Orlando Magic is looking more and more like a contender in the Eastern Conference.

Dwight Howard had 22 points and 18 rebounds, Hedo Turkoglu added 19 points and 11 rebounds, and the Magic took advantage of LeBron James' shooting struggles to beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 99-88 on Thursday night.

The Magic spent the first half of the season playing in the shadow of defending NBA champion Boston and the Cavaliers. A 10-point home loss to the Celtics last week might have prompted some to consider Orlando an afterthought in the East.

If so, it was probably premature, even if the Magic would prefer to stay out of the limelight.

"I hope we're still under the radar," said guard Jameer Nelson, who added 18 points after being added to Eastern Conference all-star earlier in the day. "Right now, it doesn't make a difference what people say about us a team and as individuals. We just want to reach our goals at the end of the season."

James was 10-for-27 from the field, spending much of the night complaining to the officials. He finished with 23 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists. But he took only 6 free throws - and missed 3 of them.

"I'm just trying to be quiet and not say anything to the refs," James said.