GM Sides With Van Gundy, Who Chastises Howard Again

ORLANDO -- Magic general manager Otis Smith Thursday sided with Coach Stan Van Gundy, who brushed aside recent criticism of his offensive strategy and essentially chastised star center Dwight Howard going into Game 6 Thurday night against the Boston Celtics.

After a Game 5 loss in Boston on Tuesday, Howard criticized Van Gundy and his play calling, complaining that he wasn't getting the ball enough on offense. Howard hit five of 10 shots for 12 points.

"Dwight has to understand his primary roles and primary importance to this team, are defense and rebounding,'' Van Gundy said Thursday morning after a film session. "It's why he became Defensive Player of the Year. That's what we need from him.''

Earlier: Van Gundy Not Backing Down

Howard, who averaged 20.6 points in the regular season and 24 points in the first round against Philadelphia, has struggled offensively against Boston. He has averaged just 16 points in five games, getting manhandled mostly by Kendrick Perkins.

The Magic trail the series, 3-2, facing an elimination game tonight.

"Scoring has been difficult for him, and he's let that effect his defensive intensity and his movement. He has to focus more on those areas,'' Van Gundy said. He also said that Howard has lost his focus in this series, and spent too much time worrying about what the analysts are saying.

Van Gundy also said that any criticism of his coaching, from his players or from the media, hasn't changed anything going into Game 6.

"Six days ago, I could coach. We were up 2-1. We had just won another game without a starter, and I was a near genius,'' Van Gundy said sarcastically "In six days now I've gotten stupid. Criticism would bother me if it was coming from people like Jack Ramsey or Hubie Brown, people I respect. If it's (television analysts) Tim Legler or Charles Barkley, it doesn't mean anything. I'm not aware of any games they've coached.''

Magic general manager Otis Smith also said Thursday that Howard's criticism of Van Gundy was unfounded. Smith met with Howard Wednesday to explain it. Smith also said Van Gundy's status as coach was secure.

"I don't understand why he wouldn't be," Smith said. "He's still the coach that he is. He still does a good job doing what he does."