The Orlando Magic handed a good old fashion beat down to the Minnesota Timberwolves 100-89.

The Magic were led by two players with 23 points in Dwight Howard and Rashard Lewis. Hedo Turkoglu kicked in 22, and rookie Courtney Lee kicked in 19 points on an impressive 8 for 10 shooting.

Lee's 19-points is the highest output by a Magic rookie since Dwight Howard, back in 2004.

Here are some notes from post-game:

•    Timberwolves' guard Randy Foye knew coming into the game that Dwight Howard would be a tough matchup.

"Dwight Howard is a man-child out there," explained Foye. "I have played against a lot of good shot blockers. I think he might be the best. Not because he jumps so hard, but his timing is ridiculous."
 
•    Wolves' guard Mike Miller went down with an ankle injury and tried to return, he was uncertain of his status saying an MRI was likely.

"We will see how it is tomorrow," explained Miller. "Hopefully I will be able to practice. At first, I thought it was real serious, but right now we found out that it is hopefully just a sprain. We will do an MRI tomorrow and figure out more."

•    Wolves' head coach Randy Whittman who has been joined on the road by team president Kevin McHale, said he thought his team played with energy, just wasn't able to make shots.

"Again we waited until we got 21 down and then we started driving to the basket," explained Coach Whitt. "I don't know how many of our 19 free throws were in the fourth quarter. That's where we've got to take the next step offensively."

•    Magic rookie Courtney Lee had a career night dropping in 19-points on 8 of 10 shooting and a perfect 3 for 3 from three point range. Courtney said coach Stan Van Gundy pulled him to the side telling him to relax. Lee said Van Gundy said he thought he was "over coaching" Lee on offense and was lightening up. Lee joked Stan was as aggressive as ever in coaching him defensively.

•    Magic star Rashard Lewis was equally impressed with the play of Courtney Lee saying he thought Courtney took his time tonight and let the offense come to him.

"He's real athletic," explained Lewis. "He did what he was supposed to do tonight. He took his time when he scored, drove to the basket most of all, kind of worked his was from inside to out when he started knocking down the three ball."

•    Magic reserve center Marcin Gortat injured his ankle during the game, and afterwards had a not about the size of a baseball and could barely put weight on it. He will miss some time with this injury.

•    Magic center Dwight Howard said he was very pleased with Courtney Lee, joking that there was a little place under his right arm, that was Courtney's wing.

"There's a little space right under my arm," joked Howard. "I just try to keep him under there. I let him know that I'm always here for him, on the court or off the court."

The Magic face the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday, while the Timberwolves will remain in Orlando tonight, and practice at the Amway Arena tomorrow before heading to New Jersey for a Friday matchup.

The Orlando Magic will host the Minnesota Timberwolves tonight.

The 4-12 Wolves have lost 2 straight, and 7 of their last ten games. The Magic are 22-16 all-time versus the Wolves.

The Magic will again be without starting guard Jameer Nelson tonight, however, Keith Bogans will be available tonight for Orlando. There were some rumors that both might make their return, Jameer may not see action until next Monday based on the schedule in front of the Magic.

Here are some notes from pre-game:

•    Timberwolves' players were shocked at the news of Sam Mitchell being fired in Toronto, pointing to Sam as a former coach of the year, most simply shook their heads saying "I can't believe this league."
 
•    Minnesota star Al Jefferson said being young was no longer a reasonable excuse; the team was veteran enough to win games. When pressed about what needs to change, he said it was more about guys looking in the mirror than a lack of talent.

•    Timberwolves rookie Kevin Love said playing against some of the elite bigs in the NBA has been sort of "surreal" but that he was adjusting to the challenge of playing against childhood heroes like Shaquille O'Neal.

•    Al Jefferson confided that Kevin Love really was more experienced, skilled and prepared to compete than even he was at times, saying it took him five seasons to get here, and said Kevin isn't far behind him. Al did say "I'd never tell him that."

•    Magic guard Mickael Pietrus was on the floor taking in some shots in a new cast on his left hand. He said the thumb is getting better but still may miss most of the month. Pietrus explained the new smaller cast was changed out, mainly because he was getting so much crap about the little soccer balls all over the last one.

•    Magic head coach Stan Van Gundy was among the many shocked faces at the news Sam Mitchell was let go, asking when can anyone remember three coaches being fired before the 20 game mark?

•    Amusing Note: Apparently Al Jefferson and Sebastian Telfair had a friendly wager; Al challenged Bassy's ability to dunk the ball, putting $500 on it. Bassy apparently tossed the ball off the backboard and jammed it home. Bassy openly questioned Al about where his money was; Al responded jokingly "I don't pay people I can beat up…" Guess Al forgets Sebastian is from Conley Island – they don't play in Coney Island.

Look for more notes after the game, and drop in your comments and I will try and get you answers.