AP - Nov 17, 10:24 pm EST


ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) -- Grant Hill's game is back because his pain is gone.

Hill scored 32 points, his most in 4 1/2 years, and Steve Francis had 33 points and 11 assists, both season highs, to lead the Orlando Magic over the Utah Jazz 107-92 on Wednesday night.

Ankle injuries sidelined Hill after he signed with Orlando before the 2000-01 season, limiting him to 47 games in four years. Now, though, he appears to be back at full strength.

``I feel like I'm continuing to get better every day at practice and every game, and just really kind of showing my teammates what I can do,'' said Hill, who has declared this comeback his last. ``And doing it, hopefully, day in and day out.''

Hill put together a vintage performance against the Jazz -- shaking and baking before a fadeaway, the stop-pop-and-drop jumper, driving for a dunk or a dish. Playing a season-high 41 minutes, Hill added five rebounds and five assists.

``He was just tremendous,'' Utah coach Jerry Sloan said. ``He's always been a great player -- knows how to play and doesn't overdo anything. To see him healthy, I'm happy for him.''

Mostly firing jumpers over Andrei Kirilenko, usually a dependable defensive stopper, Hill shot 13-for-18 in his best offensive performance since scoring 36 points against Minnesota on April 10, 2000.

Hill remembers that game -- he was still with the Detroit Pistons, and the stress fracture in his left ankle was badly flaring up.

But if he was in such pain, how was he able to play so well?

``Because I was good, man,'' replied a proud Hill.

Posted by playa2:

Uh hum, DWAYNE WADE IS THE BEST 22 YR OLD OUT THERE on and off the court.

Posted by Bizzy211:

Posted by playa2:

Uh hum, DWAYNE WADE IS THE BEST 22 YR OLD OUT THERE on and off the court.

People always fail to mention this kids name. Dwayne is nice and he's going to be be as good as the other players if he stays away from injury.