Magic's Jett Howard Finding Rhythm With More Opportunities
ORLANDO - After a slow start, Jett Howard may be hitting his stride.
The Orlando Magic guard and No. 11 pick had his best game yet in the Las Vegas Summer League, scoring a team-high 22 points in their 82-80 overtime loss to the New York Knicks on Wednesday.
Howard credited his performance against the Knicks to having more opportunities with the ball.
"I got the ball a lot, and it gave me confidence," he said. "I came out early striking and just kept it rolling."
Howard also led the Magic in minutes and field goal attempts. He shot 8 of 17 from the field and was 4 of 8 from beyond the three-point line. The rookie guard also showcased his ability to get to the rim throughout the night.
"I feel like I'm a Swiss army knife," Howard said. "I can do whatever they need me to do."
Through his first two games in the Summer League, Howard scored eight points against the Detroit Pistons and 10 points against the Indiana Pacers.
Fellow rookie Anthony Black also played a key role against the Knicks. The No. 6 pick had eight points and 14 rebounds. Black had the biggest play of the game with a tip-in on a missed 3-pointer by Howard to tie the game as time expired and force overtime.
"He's a super special player," Howard said of Black. "If he's having an off night scoring, he's going to do something else to affect the game. Even at the end, he got that tip to put us into overtime. That's a lot of mental stability and focus.
"Sometimes we get too caught in the box scores instead of the actual game."
Orlando will be back in action on Thursday against the Portland Trail Blazers. Tipoff is scheduled for 9 p.m.
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