"Struggling Gilbert Arenas posted his best offensive game since joining the Magic in mid-December, scoring a season-high 25 points Wednesday night, highlighted by 6-of-11 shooting from 3-point range.

Arenas started on fire, making his first five shots.

He took the place of SG Jason Richardson (left-knee tendinitis) in the lineup. The relaxed atmosphere - the Magic already clinched home-court advantage on Tuesday night --- appeared to ease Arenas, who has felt pressure during his shooting slump.

He came into the game shooting just 25.6 from 3-point land and 33.5 percent from the field.

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Arenas' sixth 3-pointer broke a 96-96 tie to start overtime against the Bobcats, and the Magic never trailed again.

It was Arenas' best showing since he scored 22 points on 8-of-15 shooting with five 3-pointers on Dec. 28 against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

"For me, I just wanted to go out there and be a scorer for us," Arenas said.

Scoring was once the 10-year vet's trademark before three knee surgeries robbed his mobility and confidence. He averaged more than 20 points for four seasons, including 29.3 with Washington in 2005-05."