Clippers fall, sign Parker

ORLANDO, Fla. -- The Orlando Magic have a list of late-season goals written on the blackboard in their locker room. They were able to erase the one at the top Wednesday night.

Dwight Howard had 22 points and had 13 rebounds to help the Magic beat the Clippers 110-88, securing Orlando’s first winning season since the 2002-03 season.

“We’ve got some guys in our locker room who have never had a winning season and I think you’ve got to appreciate some of the things you accomplish during a season,” Magic Coach Stan Van Gundy said. “The next goal is to wrap up a playoff spot and then win our division and secure home court for the playoffs.”

Rashard Lewis had 19 points and nine rebounds and Hedo Turkoglu added 17 points for the Magic.

The Clippers got 22 points from Corey Maggette and 17 apiece from Cuttino Mobley and Al Thornton, but were hampered by the absence of center Chris Kaman. He missed his second game in a row because of a sore back.

“I knew it was going to be a pretty long night against Dwight [Howard] without Chris,” Clippers Coach Mike Dunleavy said. “Dwight was just a nightmare matchup for us. We had to collapse and double team him and they have too many good shooters. Sooner or later someone is going to catch fire.”

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The Clippers signed guard Smush Parker to a contract for the remainder of the season.

Parker started the previous two seasons as the Lakers’ point guard before losing the role to Jordan Farmar late last season and in the playoffs.

He signed with the Heat in the off-season, but had been inactive since a November altercation with a parking attendant, where he allegedly argued over whether he had paid a $12 parking fee.

The Heat waived Parker on Monday.

Parker, 26, is scheduled to join the Clippers in Atlanta for practice today.

In his career, Parker has averaged 9.2 points and 2.8 assists. He also has played for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Detroit Pistons and Phoenix Suns.

A roster spot was created for Parker after Andre Barrett’s 10-day contract expired Monday and the Clippers did not offer him a new one.

-- Jonathan Abrams