By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
The first experience following 18 seasons in the NBA, Dwight Howard would presumably be explosive. The experienced center delivered for the Taoyuan Leopards in his first game in Taiwan’s T1 League.
Howard, 36, tallied 38 points, 25 rebounds, nine assists, and four blocks in the overtime win, 120-115, over New Taipei CTBC DEA Saturday. As a ball-handler on several occasions, he ended up with 14/32 field goals, including a couple of three-pointers. The remaining score stemmed from 8/12 free throws.
Early in the season, his new side improved to 1-1. Immediately emerging as the driving force, he paved the way in coming out of a 21-point halftime deficit to prevailing with key points and rebounds down the stretch and in the extra five minutes.
Moving forward in the six-team league, the Leopards are back in action Sunday. The next game is against the Taichung Suns.
“It’s crazy how things play out because back in 2013 I told Taiwan that I would do my best to come back so that I can spread love and put smiles on people’s faces through basketball and now here I am writing this message to announce that I will be returning to Taiwan with the Taoyuan Leopards to play and give the people of Taiwan a chance to watch me play in real time,” he shared on an Instagram post announcing his decision to play in Taiwan, “I have always loved the energy I felt visiting Taiwan as you can see I still have posters hanging up on my walls from my first two times visiting! I’m ready to enjoy life by playing the sport I love in front of a bunch of people that love me and for my people in Taiwan have your posters ready to welcome yours truly.”
The Los Angeles Lakers, Philadelphia 76ers, Washington Wizards, Charlotte Hornets, Atlanta Hawks, Houston Rockets, and Orlando Magic shaped his NBA run since being selected with the top overall pick of the 2004 draft.
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