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There’s something Magical in the air in Central Florida, today! For the third time in Orlando Magic franchise history, Orlando’s hometown team heads into a National Basketball Association (NBA) Playoff Game 7 that positions it to advance to the Eastern Conference Final. All they have to do is beat the Boston Celtics -- on the Celtics home court!
Sports publicist Gail Sideman – a frequent visitor to the Orlando area who experienced the Magic craze first-hand earlier this month -- gives her perspective and captures pre-game scoop from Orlando Magic basketball fans. Here’s what she, and several Magic fans say about tonight’s exciting NBA semifinals game:
In a city that thrives on fantasy and animated heroes the likes of Mickey, Robin Hood and Buzz Lightyear… can hometown hero Dwight Howard, who put the Magic on his expansive shoulders to lead them to a Game 6 win in Orlando, save the day once again?
The series, tied at 3-3 returns to Boston after a slate of unsuspecting outcomes during which either team should have won or lost games they should or shouldn’t have.
The Magic, in particular, seems to thrive on controversy. Player suspended for a game? No problem. Public criticism between players and coaches? Bring it on. As Orlando Sentinel columnist, Mike Bianchi wrote today (http://budurl.com/lgnn), don’t tell the Magic it can win and you’ll get the opposite. Tell Magic players they’ll stink up the place. In fact, Bianchi suggested Twitterers tweet Howard (@dwighthoward on Twitter): "Yo, Dwight, Kendrick Perkins gonna skool u like Bill Russell used to skool Dolph Schayes!" in a demonstration of reverse psychology.
Just don’t tell Magic fans that they can’t cheer for their beloved club. The Orlando team may not have the history (Celtics have a 17-3 record in Game 7s at home), mystique or titles (17) boasted by Boston, but its fans have fresh forces of support, having only seen one of their teams advance to an Eastern Conference final (1995).
“We will be in Boston in spirit and can't wait to welcome home our team as they advance to the 3rd round of the playoffs,” said Magic season ticket holders Karen and Josh DeVinney of Longwood.
“DH (Dwight Howard) and [Rashard] Lewis are going to have phenomenal games. It's going to come down to passion and heart,” said Orlando’s Colleen Burns. “I would be lying if I said I wasn't nervous, though.”
Jessica Roman, a lifelong Central Floridian added, “Even if we don’t win, which we will, this season allowed us to prove ourselves as a force to reckon with.”
The Twittersphere was abuzz with Game 7 fandom early Sunday morning. At 9:52 a.m., EDT, Burns wrote, “MAGIC in Seven!” She later reposted – or retweeted – “No better way for the Magic to create some history of their own with Game 7 in Boston…Go Magic! – LET’S DO THIS!”
The DeVinneys have hoisted their Magic flag and along with their two young children who proudly recite Orlando’s starting lineup, will don their Magic jerseys and cheer on their home club when the ball tips a few minutes after 8 p.m., EDT tonight.
“This entire playoff process has been a valuable tool for us to use to teach our children about the importance of working hard, setting goals and following through,” Karen DeVinney said. “There are no guarantees in life, but hard work, dedication, team work and following through are lessons that not only apply to the world of professional sports, but apply to their lives as children. GO MAGIC!!!
Gail Sideman is owner of PUBLISIDE Personal Publicity – a media relations effort that helps generate buzz in the sports and publishing industries with a combination of traditional and social media. As an avid Twitter user who has monitized it for business, she coaches people on how to get the most out of social media tools that also include Facebook, LinkedIn and others. Find out more about Sideman at her website: www.publiside.com or follow her on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/PUBLISIDE/
If you’re looking for a great place to watch tonight’s NBA game May 17, 2009, scheduled at 8 p.m. (EDT) on TNT, check out The Clubhouse Sports Bar and Restaurant. According to a recent feature in MyCityEats.com, The Clubhouse prides itself on serving higher quality foods than the traditional sports bar. “With 26 high definition flat screens, an extensive array of both domestic and import beers on tap, and sports logo merchandise for purchase and on display, it is obvious The Clubhouse caters to sports fans. They have a downtown Orlando location at 100 E. Pine Street, as well as a new location at 7572 W. Sandlake Road. For more information visit their website at www.orlandoclubhouse.com
To stay up-to-date with the Orlando Magic's game schedule. Visit the NBA Official Magic Site here.
Link to Dwight Howard's website to hear what he has to say about the upcoming Orlando Magic game!
For great NBA coverage check out the NBA Examiner - Sherron Shabazz. Sherron is a life-long NBA fan and a Bulls season ticket holder suffering through the post-Jordan era in Chicago. His web site All NBA Talk provides news, humor and analysis on the National Basketball Association.
(Dwight Howard pictured - Credit: Wikipedia).
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Michele G. Hudson
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