Dwight Howard had 23 points and 10 rebounds to lift the Orlando Magic to an easy 112-83 victory over the visiting Washington Wizards on Thursday night, giving the NBA's newest arena a grand opening and spoiling No. 1 overall pick John Wall's debut.
Vince Carter had 18 points and Jameer Nelson scored 16 to help the Magic cruise to another blowout victory after a perfect pre-season.
Wall, the former Kentucky star, had 14 points and nine assists — much of it in cleanup duty — on 6-for-19 shooting in his first meaningful professional game. He showed flashes of stardom but became just another spectator on an emotional night in Orlando.
Wall came out a little too hyped up and took 11 of his team's first 24 shots, making only three. But he also showed that roadrunner-like speed and awesome athleticism.
Rambis, Love clear air
Minnesota Timberwolves Coach Kurt Rambis and Kevin Love say they're on the same page about the power forward's playing time. Love was in the game for less than nine minutes in Wednesday's season opener.
Love complained about his role last season and left the locker room Wednesday without speaking to the media, but after practice Thursday he said he and Rambis are fine and that any speculation about a rift has been blown out of proportion.
Around the league
Grizzlies: Memphis exercised contract options on guard O.J. Mayo, forward Darrell Arthur and center Hasheem Thabeet. The team said Thursday it exercised the fourth-year option on Mayo, who has averaged nearly 18 points since being the third overall pick in the 2008 draft.
Cavaliers: Forward Anderson Varejao has been excused from traveling with the team to Toronto so he can be with his father during heart surgery. The Cavaliers said the surgery is Friday.
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