Dwight Howard played his biggest minutes so far the season in a win against the Sacramento Kings. The 35-year-old Lakers center came off the bench to play a total of 35 minutes – the same amount as superstars Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook.
During his time on the court, he managed to gather a double-double of 12 points and 13 rebounds. He also had 2 steals and 2 blocks. Howard finished the game with the highest plus/minus on the team – +27.
After the game, Lakers head coach Frank Vogel was asked about his decision to play the veteran center that much. “It’s just a coach’s decision,” he said. “I felt like Dwight was going to give us a lift in this game and I was right. He played terrific.
“He came in and really changed the game with his energy. Him in particular in that third quarter with his pick and roll coverage. He’s more familiar with what we do. He came in and really set the tone with physicality, effort, communication and obviously helped us on the board. You see his plus/minus of +27. So just a hell of a night for him.”
This season, Howard is averaging 4.8 points, 4.9 rebounds and 0.4 assists in 13.6 minutes per game. He came off the bench in all 19 games that he has played for the Lakers so far.
