Dwight Howard had 28 points, seven rebounds, and four blocked shots in his first win as a Laker against the Detroit Pistons Sunday night. But, at practice today, Dwight Howard still didn’t think he was even close to being 100 percent.
“I don’t think I was close… I’m still a couple steps behind…My legs aren’t all the way there, I’m still
missing dunks so I gotta work on that.”
Okay, so we all saw the missed dunk, but the fact that Howard doesn’t think he’s close to 100 percent, is great news for Lakers fans.
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For coming off of back surgery and not having played since April, Howard is looking pretty good in the stats column. In the Lakers loss to the Clippers Sunday night, Howard still managed five blocked shots. Against the Portland Trail Blazers, Dwight had a double-double with 33 points, 14 rebounds, plus five assists. In their season opener against Dallas, Howard had 19 points and 10 rebounds.
Dwight, although we won’t forget it, I think we can definitely forgive you for the missed dunk.
“We didn’t watch the missed dunk [in practice]. Usually I play above the rim and these couple games I’ve been below the rim right now, so I’ve just got to continue to work on my legs. Once they’re all the way there, its gunna be trouble.
In his first four regular season games, Howard has combined for a total of 93 points and 39 rebounds. Mike Brown is definitely excited about his center’s improved play last night, but also recognizes that Howard still has plenty of progress to make.
“He’s not 100 percent. Last night was the closest that I’ve seen him in terms of being ready defensively…. You saw some flashes of ‘Old Dwight’ on both ends of the floor which was a good thing.”
The Lakers will travel on the road Wednesday night, facing the Utah Jazz, looking to capture just their second win of the season.
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Check out Dwight talking about his missed dunk in practice today!
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