Dwight Howard had 22 points and 15 rebounds to lead the Magic, who lost their home opener for only the second time in the last nine seasons. Mickael Pietrus added 20 points.
Josh Smith chipped in 17 for the Hawks.
Orlando had a better road than home record last season in winning 52 games, and one of the Magic's priorities this season was doing a better job defending their home court.
The Magic, expected to contend with Boston and Detroit for the Eastern Conference title, fizzled more than sizzled, shooting only 37 percent. Atlanta led by as many as 19 before Orlando got within seven points in the final minute, but Mike Bibby hit three free throws after a flagrant foul by Hedo Turkoglu to seal the victory.
Orlando struggled early, making only three of its first 18 shots. Howard, who moments before tipoff told the crowd, "We're going to be something special this year," was anything but in the first half, missing four of his first five shots, including two that were blocked.
Howard finished strongly, scoring 12 points in the fourth quarter. He had his familiar struggle from the free throw line, going 6-for-13.
Atlanta dominated on the boards early, and held the Magic without a point for nearly six minutes near the end of the first quarter in building a 23-8 lead. Rashard Lewis, Pietrus and backup point guard Anthony Johnson, who threw an alley-oop to Pietrus for a dunk, keyed a second quarter run that cut Atlanta's halftime lead to 47-40.
Last season Atlanta, the youngest team to make the playoffs, became only the second No. 8 seed in NBA history to force a seventh game against the top seed. Boston beat the Hawks in the opening round. The only other No. 8 to play seven games in its opening playoff series was Orlando, which lost to Detroit 4-3 in 2003.
-- NOTES: Olympic gold medalist swimmer Ryan Lochte was honored before the game, along with Howard, who won a gold medal. Diana Lopez, a bronze medalist in taekwondo, was also at the game ... The Magic, celebrating the 20th year of existence, celebrated the inaugural 1989-90 team. Nine players and head coach Matt Goukas attended.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2008/10/214744