Dwight Howard was punched by Mavericks’ Brendan Haywood, Magic claim

Magic coach Stan Van Gundy claims that Mavericks center Brendan Haywood punched Dwight Howard in the back during the Dallas’ 100-98 win in Orlando Friday night, and the team is sending video of the alleged incident to the NBA league office to prove it.

Howard was unable to play in Sunday’s game against the Denver Nuggets. He saw a back specialist--and did not practice--on Saturday.

“It’s really ridiculous and I want to get it on film and send it in (to the league office),” Van Gundy told the team website. “Haywood just punched him literally with a closed fist right in the back. So (Howard) got through the game because he was loose, but then it really tightened up. They are going to work on him and hopefully he’ll be OK. But (Howard) didn’t do anything (in practice on Saturday)."

But both Haywood and Mavs coach Rick Carlisle said they have no idea what Van Gundy is talking about, NBA.com's Earl Sneed reports via Twitter.

"I think Dwight caught me with more shots than I caught him," Haywood told Sneed. "He's the most physical player in the league."

"I guess Stan has that magical hand cam that he was taping with from the bench and he got something that no one else got," Haywood added. "Dwight doesn't have a problem with me, I don't have a problem with Dwight. The only person that has a problem here is Stan...."

Van Gundy, meanwhile, is also answering questions about some of his players reportedly staying out in New York City until 3:00 a.m. last Tuesday, the night before they were obliterated by the Knicks. Orlando lost to New York, 108-86, and trailed by 39 points at one point in the third quarter.

“I don’t care in terms of trying to implicate guys, but what I addressed is their job is to take care of themselves and be ready to give 100 percent every night," Van Gundy said. “You have to be honest with yourself and if you’re not (staying ready) then you can’t honestly say that you’re all about the team. And you have to realize when you do that you are (disrespecting) your teammates."

“Lately, we’ve had some guys not staying in great shape and putting on some weight and that’s about having professionalism," Van Gundy continued. “They are being paid a whole lot of money to give your best every night. Some things you can’t control with injuries, travel or lack of sleep. The guys who were out know who they are, but I’m not running an investigation.”