Now we see just why Dwight Howard tossed his name into the trade arena.

In the midst of a game that had all of the makings of a blowout, the Magic found a way to squander a 27-point advantage and lose – at home.

Against perennial rival Boston, Orlando had their way in the opening half. They executed, hustled and shot themselves ahead of a Celtics team that was missing its starting backcourt (Rajon Rondo and Ray Allen).

What happened in the second half, however, was nothing short of abysmal.

Stan Van Gundy allowed his team to lose focus, both offensively and defensively.

Orlando’s offense usually flows when they operate from the inside-out, taking full advantage of its nightly physical mismatch at the center position. But the reigning Defensive Player of the Year rarely saw anything come his way on the block, and the Magic lost focus in a game in which they should have cruised to victory.

Dwight Howard will have a difficult time pointing Orlando in the right direction.

The Magic went overboard to help Boston generate offense of its own, as well. Turnovers, quick shots and poor rotations highlighted some of the mental miscues that signaled their demise.

The 2011-12 season is one that will be pivotal to the success of the Orlando franchise. Howard is a hot commodity on the trade radar, and one would have to assume that a mediocre showing by his team will push him out of the door.

If tonight’s game was any indication as to what can be expected of this current assembly of players, Orlando’s in big, big trouble come April.

And in even more trouble come the 2012-13 season and beyond.