"With five players injured and out, it was expected the Celtics [team stats] would have to play everyone. But how many were expecting Gino to get into last night's game against the mighty Magic?

There was, according to Orlando colossus Dwight Howard, one overriding reason for the Celtics' 87-56 victory.

"They went back to playing Boston basketball tonight," said Howard, who "struggled" to 18 points and 14 rebounds, missing his last nine shots and going 4-of-15 from the floor. "Everybody touched the ball, they ran, they played aggressive on both ends of the floor. . . . They did a good job tonight. We've just got to come back. We'll see those guys again Thursday.""