Fans Help Create Special Night at Amway

By Josh Cohen
June 9, 2009

ORLANDO -- It was one of those nights you will tell your grandchildren about some day.

There are few events in life that are never forgotten. A wedding or college graduation ceremony rank high on the list. A son or daughter’s birthday party or exotic trips around the world aren’t too far behind.

Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Tuesday night at Amway Arena deserves to be on that short, but extraordinary, list.

You can use any adjective you want to describe it; ear-splitting, electrifying, pandemonium, joyful are some words that come to mind.

Right from the start, fans were on their feet, creating deafening noise and showing complete support for their team. You could even say it began outside when many of the attendees participated in fan activities and gathered together for a rare, but splendid, occasion.

It was obvious the crowd played a significant role in helping the Orlando Magic pull out a gripping 108-104 triumph over the Los Angeles Lakers to trim their series deficit to 2-1.

It was also the first Finals victory for the Magic in franchise history. That undoubtedly made things even more special.

“We have great fans,” Marcin Gortat said after the game. “They deserve to have a championship team.”

Every time the Magic needed an extra push to halt a Lakers rally, the fans delivered.

There was even a point during the game when the entire arena did the wave. And I am not talking about a wave where only half the stadium stood up and raised their arms. I am referring to the kind of cheer that makes you stop and say … just wow!

Of course, every NBA arena is loud and all fans are tremendous. But here in Orlando, the support given to the team for their hard work and dedication to the community is something that can’t be undermined.

“They (the fans) are appreciating the moment,” Anthony Johnson said. “We need them to be successful in this series.”

No matter where you are around Central Florida, you can always feel the enthusiasm for the Magic. It’s contagious really. Kids at school spend homeroom and recess discussing the team. Fans are lining up at shopping outlets for merchandise and other paraphernalia.

There is just 24/7 buzz in the area, and it’s something everyone should be a part of. It’s evident that the more involved the fans are with the team, the more successful they become.

“Every time we have needed a spark, the fans have been there to help us,” said Hedo Turkoglu, who has been with the Magic for five years now.

You can fully expect Amway Arena to be rocking once again when the Magic return to action for Game 4 on Thursday night.

For more on Game 3, turn to Dan Savage, who examines the historical significance of the Magic notching their first Finals win ever.