It wasn't a bird, or a plan that touched down in Los Angeles on Sunday-no, the out-of-this-world force that is superstar center Dwight Howard finally soared through the air for the first time in purple-and-gold.
While the Los Angeles Lakers (0-6) still remained win-less in the postseason in a 99-92 loss to the Sacramento Kings (4-1) Sunday at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, Calif., the story of the game was the long-awaited debut of Howard as a full-fledged member of the Lakers. And Howard did not disappoint, having an impressive outing with 19 points, 12 rebounds and 4 blocks in his first game back since having back surgery in April.
Howard, acquired in a four-team deal from the Orlando Magic during the off-season, said after the game that in spite of the loss, his Lakers debut was one he enjoyed.
"It was fun," Howard told reporters after the game, as ESPN Los Angeles reported. "I had a lot of fun tonight. I'm just thankful and blessed to be able to step on the floor again."
Howard's fellow Lakers teammate, Kobe Bryant, scored 21 points for the Lakers in a closely fought contest, but even that wasn't enough to hold off the Kings, who scored 10 unanswered points in the closing moments of the game and were led by their star center DeMarcus Cousins and reserve point guard Aaron Brooks-each of whom scored 16 points.
Still, all Bryant could talk about after the game to reporters was the kind of potential that was in a lineup that now featured himself, Howard, Pau Gasol, Metta World Peace and new Laker Steve Nash.
"Our rhythm is already there," Bryant said. "It's just about the little nuances, a few of our plays. ... We've done it in practice, and I think it was exciting to show the fans what kind of potential we have. I think we're a little ahead of the curve."
Around the League: NBA Preseason Wrap-up for Sunday, Oct. 21
Magic: 104, Spurs:100
The Orlando Magic (2-4) pulled off their second consecutive win when they beat the San Antonio Spurs (3-3) in a 104-100 nail biter at the Amway Center in Orlando, Fla.
Magic rookie power forward Andrew Nicholson was the star for Orlando on Sunday with 18 points while teammate Glen "Big Baby" Davis posted 17 points of his own.
Shooting guard Danny Green led the Spurs with 13 points while his counterpart, Manu Ginobili, finished with 12 points. Spurs leader Tim Duncan scoring nine points but played only 12 minutes.
76ers: 88, Celtics: 79
Dorell Wright's 20 points helped the Philadelphia 76ers (5-1) stave off the Boston Celtics (3-5) in an 88-79 away win for the Sixers at the TD Garden in Boston, Mass.
Guards Jrue Holliday and Nick Young also had contributions for the Sixers, with Holliday scoring 10 points and dishing out 6 asssits and Young putting 12 of his 15 points up in the second half for Philadelphia.
Rajon Rondoo led the Celtics-playing their last preseason game-with 12 points, while the star forward tandem of Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett scored eight points apiece.
The Sixers close out the preseason Monday with a game against the New York Knicks.
Thunder: 108, Nuggets: 101
It was a preseason game with important significance for the Oklahoma City Thunder (3-2), who had their entire starting lineup play together for the first time in the preseason as they beat conference rival the Denver Nuggets (3-2) 108-101 at the Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Okla.
Kevin Durant and Serge Ibaka led the defending Western Conference Champions with 16 points apiece while point guard Russell Westbrook scored 12 points and passed for 9 assists for Oklahoma City. Meanwhile, Thunder center Kendrick Perkins made his return from wrist surgery and shooting guard Thabo Sefalosha came back from a contusion in his left quad.
After the game, Sefalosha spoke of the importance of the Thunder to get back into rhythm as a full unit.
"The core group of guys are back, and I think that's really important for us," said Sefolosha to the Associated Press. "We've been practicing really hard and, of course, some guys are a little rusty. It was kind of a long summer.
"I think it shouldn't take too long for us to get in the swing of it."
Small forward Danilo Gallinari led the Nuggets with 26 points while Denver point guard Ty Lawson added 17 points and 11 assists.
For boxscore details on each preseason game, visit ESPN.com.
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