Eight-time All-Star Dwight Howard had a spectacular double-double game debut for his newest NBA team as the Atlanta Hawks defeated the visiting Washington Wizards with a 114-99 victory in their season opener at the Philips Arena on Thursday.

Howard, who inked a three-year, USD $70 million deal with the Antony Ressler-owned basketball club in July, poured in 11 points and pulled down 19 rebounds along with three blocked shots, two assists, and one steal.

Like Us on Facebook

The Hawks' latest acquisition played for over 30 minutes on the hardwood shooting 4 of 9 from the field and making 3 of 4 from the free throw line.

Paul Millsap finished the game with 28 markers while Tim Hardaway Jr. added 21 points for the Atlanta Hawks, who will be facing the Philadelphia 76ers next.

According to The Score, Howard's presence on defense also played a big part in forcing Washington's Marcin Gortat into a poor performance on the other end of the floor. The seven offensive boards of the 6-foot-11 big man ultimately served as the game-changer, as the former Houston Rockets center single-handedly extended possession for the offensively limited Hawks.

The 30-year-old Howard was the league's top over-all pick in the 2004 NBA Draft being selected by the Orlando Magic, where he spent eight seasons of his playing career. He moved to the Los Angeles Lakers in the year 2012 before joining the Houston Rockets in 2013.

The native of Atlanta, Georgia has been named the NBA Defensive Player of the Year for three-straight seasons, bagging the award in 2009, 2010 and 2011. Howard also ruled the boards after leading the league in rebounds from 2008 to 2010, 2012 and 2013.

He also led the NBA in blocks in two consecutive seasons (2008-2009 and 2009-2010).

TagsNBA, Dwight Howard, Atlanta Hawks, Washington Wizards, Paul Millsap, Tim Hardaway Jr., houston rockets