Magic center Dwight Howard had a strong game on Friday night in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals, but his team's season ended anyway.

The Celtics won 96-84, eliminating the Magic and taking the team's place as conference champions.

In his postgame press conference, Howard was gracious with reporters but one comment made about the disappointment of falling short of a championship stuck out.

Howard was asked by a reporter what it was like to say goodbye to his teammates after they focused on winning a title all season long.

"It's very tough but we've just got to learn from our mistakes," the center replied. "Next year we've got to have guys that are willing to give everything they've got to get wins.  

"In games like this or a series like this, it's not about skill or talent, because it's the Eastern Conference Championship. Both teams are talented and skilled. It's about who wants it the most and who is willing to do it for a series."

The Magic don't have the cap room to make a play for a significant free agent, but Howard's comment -- "we've got to have guys that are willing to give everything they've got to get wins" -- may come off to some as a plea for roster changes.

Orlando didn't retain Hedo Turkoglu after advancing to the Finals last year, instead replacing him with Vince Carter.

Carter and Rashard Lewis largely disappointed in the Boston series.