LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - All Star center Dwight Howard celebrated his 24th birthday by scoring 25 points in the Orlando Magic's 97-86 victory over the Los Angeles on Tuesday.

Howard, nicknamed "Superman" by NBA fans, added 11 rebounds and seven blocks to set the pace as Orlando improved to 17-4 for their best start since the 1995-96 season.

Rashard Lewis added 17 points and Jason Williams 16 in the Southeast Division-leading Magic's eighth straight road victory.

Second-year guard Eric Gordon had a team-high 21 for the Clippers in his second game back from a hamstring injury and Baron Davis put up 18 and 11 assists.

However, Los Angeles (9-12) lost its way in the fourth quarter. Orlando outscored the Clippers 24-17 in the final period where they took a double-digit lead with 7:43 remaining after coming out firing.

(Writing by Jahmal Corner; Editing by Alastair Himmer)