Dwight Howard starred to help the Orlando Magic to a 3-2 lead in their NBA play-off series against the Philadelphia 76ers.

Howard had 24 points and also contributed 24 rebounds, while Rashard Lewis also scored 24 as Orlando moved to the brink of the second round after winning their second game in a row.

Howard's key contribution came in the third quarter when he dunked the ball twice as the Magic went on a 12-5 run that helped them to open up an 11-point lead.

The Sixers managed to cut the lead to four but a three-pointer by Hedo Turkoglu saw Orlando take a nine-point lead into the final quarter.

Rafer Alston scored 14 points and Turkoglu had nine for the Magic while Andre Iguodala led the scoring for the Sixers with 26 while Andre Miller added 17.

Magic shooting guard Courtney Lee left the game in the first quarter after he was accidentally elbowed in the head by teammate Howard.

He could miss game six, which takes place in Philadelphia on Thursday.