Steve Francis returns to action in a backup role as the Magic defeat the Washington Wizards, 106-98. Francis finished the game playing the entire fourth quarter. He ended up with 12 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists. Jammer Nelson, starting at the point guard position, was the high-scorer with 22 points. Nelson also contributed 5 rebounds and 5 assists.
Dwight Howard was not his usual self after getting in early foul trouble. Howard finished with 9 points, 10 rebounds and 3 blocked shots. Tony Battie had another strong game, scoring 14 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. The only other Magic big man to see action, Kelvin Cato, went down late in the second half with a twisted right ankle. He is currently listed as day-to-day. Cato had 10 points prior to the injury. I am not sure why Mario Kasun has not seen much action as of late. When Kasun has been on the floor, he has provided some valuable minutes.
Everyone else on the team played very well tonight. DeShawn Stevenson had a good offensive game, finishing with 19 points. Pat Garrity even recorded a vicious block on Antawn Jamison.
