Howard no factor, but Magic still sweeps Bobcats

Dwight Howard kept collecting fouls, and all the Orlando Magic did was become the first team to advance in the NBA playoffs.

Vince Carter scored 21 points, Jameer Nelson added 18 and the Magic showcased its depth and pressure shot-making in a 99-90 victory over the host Charlotte Bobcats last night to complete a sweep of their first-round series.

Howard, who played only 23 minutes and fouled out for the second straight game, was held to six points and 13 rebounds, but Orlando pulled off its first four-game sweep. The Magic will face the Atlanta-Milwaukee winner in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

Tyrus Thomas scored 21 points for the Bobcats, whose focus now will turn to Larry Brown's future with the team.

Brown, 69, in his 13th head-coaching job in college and the pros, said two weeks ago that Michael Jordan is "the only guy I'm going to coach for." Jordan said he wouldn't hold Brown to his contract if he wanted to leave for family reasons.

Brown's wife and children live in Philadelphia, and Brown could hold true to his word if he left for a job such as team president with the 76ers and hired his own coach.

Bucks 111, Hawks 104Carlos Delfino had 22 points with six three-pointers as host Milwaukee evened the series at 2-2. Brandon Jennings had 23 points and John Salmons 22 for the Bucks. Joe Johnson had 29 points and Jamal Crawford 21 for Atlanta. - AP