Orlando continues romp over Hawks

5/9/2010

ATLANTA - The Orlando Magic kept up their dominating romp through the NBA playoffs, and the Atlanta Hawks can't do anything to stop it.

The Magic made it seven straight postseason wins with a 105-75 blowout Saturday, showing off all their weapons beyond Superman while handing the Hawks the worst home playoff loss in franchise history.

Dwight Howard put up his usual stout numbers - 21 points and 16 rebounds - but he didn't stand out playing in his hometown. No one on the Magic really did, which is the real beauty of a team playing better than anyone at the most crucial time of year.

Rashard Lewis scored 22 points and knocked down four 3-pointers. Jameer Nelson chipped in with 14 points and four assists. Mickael Pietrus added 13 points, hitting three shots beyond the arc. Marcin Gortat grabbed six rebounds in less than 10 minutes relieving Howard. Matt Barnes had 11 points.

All 10 Orlando players who got on the court made it to the scoresheet, and the Magic worked even harder at the defensive end. Atlanta made a measly 35 percent from the field, getting only eight points from star Joe Johnson on 3-of-15 shooting.

The Hawks have been battered in three straight games, losing by an average of 29 points to a team that finished just ahead of them in the Eastern Conference standings. Their previous worst playoff defeat at home was a 107-83 rout by Philadelphia in 1980.

"A tough, ugly loss," Johnson said. "Embarrassing."

Orlando, which has won 13 straight dating to the regular season, will try to wrap up its second straight sweep in Game 4 tomorrow.

Lakers 111, Jazz 110

SALT LAKE CITY - Kobe Bryant and Derek Fisher hit back-to-back 3-pointers during an 8-2 run in the final minute and the Lakers held to take a 3-0 lead in the Western Conference semifinals.

The Jazz had two chances to win it in the final four seconds, but Deron Williams missed from the top of the key and Wesley Matthews' tip just before the buzzer bounced off the rim.

Bryant finished with 35 points and Fisher scored 20. Pau Gasol added 14 points and 17 rebounds.

Williams scored 28 and Kyle Korver added 23 for the Jazz.