Orlando Magic center Howard works to the basket against Toronto Raptors forward Bosh during their NB

Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard works to the basket against Toronto Raptors forward Chris Bosh (L) during the first half of their NBA game in Toronto November 1, 2009. REUTERS/ Mike Cassese

Article courtesy of Reuters

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - All Star center Dwight Howard celebrated his 24th birthday by scoring 25 points in the Orlando Magic's 97-86 victory over the Los Angeles on Tuesday.

Howard, nicknamed "Superman" by NBA fans, added 11 rebounds and seven blocks to set the pace as Orlando improved to 17-4 for their best start since the 1995-96 season.

Rashard Lewis added 17 points and Jason Williams 16 in the Southeast Division-leading Magic's eighth straight road victory.

Second-year guard Eric Gordon had a team-high 21 for the Clippers in his second game back from a hamstring injury and Baron Davis put up 18 and 11 assists.

However, Los Angeles (9-12) lost its way in the fourth quarter. Orlando outscored the Clippers 24-17 in the final period where they took a double-digit lead with 7:43 remaining after coming out firing.

(Writing by Jahmal Corner; Editing by Alastair Himmer)