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NBA

Howard Close to Another Suspension

Posted May 25, 2009 1:03AM By Tim Povtak (RSS feed)

Filed Under: Cavaliers, Magic, Playoffs

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Dwight Howard better watch his mouth.

Although better known for his wide smile and jovial manner, Howard's on-court temper has him bordering on serious trouble as he leads the Orlando Magic deep into the playoffs.

Howard received his fifth technical foul in the playoffs Sunday night, leaving him just two away from an automatic one-game suspension. The technical count would follow him all the way through the NBA Finals if the Magic make it.

The Magic lead the Cavaliers 2-1 in the Eastern Conference finals.

"Yes, we've talked with Dwight about it. He is at a level now where we certainly don't need to be playing without him for a game," said Magic Coach Stan Van Gundy. "He needs to be careful. This is not good. It's something he should have been able to avoid."

Howard got his technical Sunday with 2:50 remaining in the third quarter, seconds after receiving his fourth personal foul. Howard spent the entire game in foul trouble. As he was walking back to the Magic bench, he turned and said something to those on the Cleveland bench. He was standing next to official Joey Crawford when he spouted off.

"Pat [Ewing, Magic assistant coach] tells me every day, to stay focused, but all it takes is one little incident. I'm going to do my best to stay away from any more problems [technicals]," Howard said. "I'm not going to get into it with the referees anymore."

Howard has been in foul trouble throughout this series, and throughout the playoffs. In 15 playoff games, he now has 66 personal fouls, which has added to his frustration level.

He already served one, one-game suspension in the first round of the playoffs, Game 6 against Philadelphia for throwing an elbow that hit Sixers center Samuel Dalembert.

"I'm not going to let down my team, my city," he said. "I'm not going to let anything like this get in the way of our goal, and that's to win an NBA championship."

Latest NBA Playoff Photos

    Cleveland Cavaliers forward Anderson Varejao (17), of Brazil, battles for a rebound against Orlando Magic forward Rashard Lewis (9) and center Dwight Howard in the first half of Game 3 of the NBA Eastern Conference basketball finals in Orlando, Fla., Sunday, May 24, 2009. Orlando won 99-89(AP Photo/John Raoux)

    AP

    Orlando Magic forward Rashard Lewis (9) gets past Cleveland Cavaliers center Zydrunas Ilgauskas (11), of Lithuania, for a shot in the first half of Game 3 of the NBA Eastern Conference basketball finals in Orlando, Fla., Sunday, May 24, 2009. Orlando won 99-89.(AP Photo/John Raoux)

    AP

    Orlando Magic head coach Stan Van Gundy, left, argues a call with official Joe Crawford during the first half of Game 3 of the NBA Eastern Conference basketball finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Orlando, Fla., Sunday, May 24, 2009. The Magic won 99-89. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

    AP

    Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) walks off the court after losing Game 3 of the NBA Eastern Conference basketball finals to the Orlando Magic 99-89 in Orlando, Fla., Sunday, May 24, 2009.(AP Photo/John Raoux)

    AP

    Orlando Magic guard Mickael Pietrus (20), of France pumps his fist after taking a hard foul from Cleveland Cavaliers guard Delonte West (13) in the second half of Game 3 of the NBA Eastern Conference basketball finals in Orlando, Fla., Sunday, May 24, 2009. West was also called for a technical foul. Orlando won 99-89.(AP Photo/John Raoux)

    AP

    Orlando Magic forward Mickael Pietrus, left, of France, is fouled by Cleveland Cavaliers Delonte West while going up for a shot during the second half of Game 3 of the NBA Eastern Conference basketball finals in Orlando, Fla., Sunday, May 24, 2009. The Magic won 99-89. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

    AP

    ORLANDO, FL - MAY 24: Rashard Lewis #9 of the Orlando Magic passes against LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game Three of the Eastern Conference Finals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at the the Amway Arena on May 24, 2009 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Rashard Lewis;LeBron James

    Getty Images

    Orlando Magic guard Rafer Alston (1) shoots over Cleveland Cavaliers forward Anderson Varejao (17) during action in Game 3 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals at Amway Arena in Orlando, Florida, Sunday, May 24, 2009. The Magic defeated the Cavaliers, 99-89. (Gary W. Green/Orlando Sentinel/MCT)

    MCT

    Orlando Magic players Hedo Turkoglu, left, and Rashard Lewis celebrate a 99-89 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 3 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals at Amway Arena in Orlando, Florida, Sunday, May 24, 2009. (Gary W. Green/Orlando Sentinel/MCT)

    MCT

    ORLANDO, FL - MAY 24: Hedo Turkoglu #15 of the Orlando Magic drives against Delonte West #13 of the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game Three of the Eastern Conference Finals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at the the Amway Arena on May 24, 2009 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Hedo Turkoglu;Delonte West

    Getty Images

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