Dwight Howard scored 16 points and had 24 rebounds to lead the Orlando Magic to a 94-78 win over the visiting New Jersey Nets on Thursday night.

Howard, the subject of trade rumors that linked him to New Jersey before the season, put up his big numbers despite going to the bench late in the second quarter with three fouls.

Orlando (2-1) has won eight straight against New Jersey (1-2), which hasn't beaten the Magic since April 11, 2009.

Howard, whose rebound total was two short of his career high, added three blocked shots. Ryan Anderson scored 22 points and Jason Richardson added 16 for the Magic.

Rookie MarShon Brooks scored 17 points for New Jersey and has led the Nets in scoring the last two games.

Orlando led 42-22 midway through the second quarter, but New Jersey finished the period with a 22-8 run to trail 50-44 at halftime. The Magic regained a double-figure lead in the third quarter and pulled away.

New Jersey coach Avery Johnson shook up his starting lineup after a 36-point loss to Atlanta on Tuesday. Mehmet Okur replaced Johan Petro at center while Sundiata Gaines took over at shooting guard for Anthony Morrow.

Magic guard Jameer Nelson left the game in the third quarter with a shoulder injury and didn't return. He was scoreless in 17 minutes.