Dwight Howard Thinks He’s in Much Better Shape Now


Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard is beginning to look like his old, superstar self again. After dominating dominating the Milwaukee Bucks last night to the tune of 31 points and 16 rebounds in a Lakers win, Howard said that his surgically-repaired back and fitness are starting to come around. Per the OC Register: “I did feel a lot better tonight,’ said Howard. ‘I just have to continue to play hard. My fitness is coming back a little bit. I’m in much better shape and they are finding me in the right spots. We just have to continue to play with energy and effort and believe we can turn this thing around.’ Mike D’Antoni said he’s noticed a change in Howard’s play. ‘I think he keeps getting stronger,’ the coach said. ‘Obviously, he’s what we were missing when he was out. You know, he’s a heck of a presence inside. He alters a lot of shots. I don’t know how many blocks he had, but besides that, he just alters so many when he’s in there.’ For the record, Howard had four blocked shots. ‘He’s getting back to his old ways and he’s moving a little bit better,’ Bucks forward Larry Sanders said. ‘I’m happy for him. He’s a load down there and once he plants his feet, he’s pretty hard to move. There are a couple of guys in the league like that and he’s definitely in the top two.'”