Dwight Howard Completely Dominates in His Taiwan Debut

Howard also tallied 25 rebounds, nine assists, and four blocks in his first game with the Taoyuan Leopards. The team beat the New Taipei CTBC DEA, 120-115.

Dwight Howard #39 of the Los Angeles Lakers smiles before the game against the Golden State
Getty

Image via Getty/Jed Jacobsohn/NBAE

Dwight Howard #39 of the Los Angeles Lakers smiles before the game against the Golden State

Dwight Howardย remindedย fans heโ€™sย still got it.

The eight-time NBA All-Star returned to the court this weekend for his first game inย Taiwanโ€™s T1 League. And his debut was nothing short of impressive. Howard, who signed with theย Taoyuan Leopards earlier this month, helped his team erase a double-digit halftime deficit, scoringย a total of 38 points (including two three-pointers), 25 rebounds, nine assists, and nine blocks.

The Leopards ultimately securedย a 120โ€“115 victory over New Taipei CTBC DEA, and Howard was named โ€œplayer of the game.โ€

I need a way to watch every single Dwight Howard game in Taiwan. pic.twitter.com/xlk8rKOUWU

— Chris Mannix (@SIChrisMannix) November 19, 2022

Naturally, Howardโ€™s jaw-dropping performance generated quite the buzz on social media.ย 

Apparently Dwight Howard is a point guard in Taiwan pic.twitter.com/KMrvhjsFst

— Gen ๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ญ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ (@INDlVlDUALIST) November 19, 2022

Dwight Howard in Taiwan scoring 38 points lmao pic.twitter.com/YpvbcKhA9C

— Noahโœด (@Rockybalnoahh) November 19, 2022

Dwight Howard is becoming an absolute legend in Taiwan pic.twitter.com/ViFzH0svV0

— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) November 19, 2022

I don't know what's the most shocking/hilarious thing about Dwight Howard's debut in Taiwan.

Almost had a 40/20/10 triple double (38/25/9)
Attempted 32 shots
Made 8 of 12 free throws
Took 10 three-pointers and the crowd cheered every time he attempted one pic.twitter.com/vYyRTsmd77

— David Astramskas (@Redapples2021) November 19, 2022

How many years has it been since a crowd went nuts like that for Dwight Howard https://t.co/SY9OGS6zws

— Dan Wolken (@DanWolken) November 19, 2022

The Leopards are now preparing to take on Taichung Suns this Sunday.

Howard announced his deal withย T1 League earlier this month, after 18 seasons in the NBA.

โ€œItโ€™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 peopleโ€™s faces through basketball,โ€ he wrote on Instagram,ย โ€œand 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. 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! Iโ€™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.โ€

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