Magic Share Special Bond With Fans

By Dan Savage
June 14, 2009

ORLANDO -- The unique bond shared by teams and their fans is perhaps the most exceptional quality of sports.

They experience the emotional rollercoaster of a season together, sharing the ups and the downs.

In their 2008-09 campaign, the Orlando Magic and their fans engaged in one of the most memorable runs in franchise history, filled with highs and lows.

A near season-ending shoulder injury to All-Star point guard Jameer Nelson was followed by a trade-deadline deal for Rafer Alston and a 59-win season.

A 2-1 first round series deficit to the Philadelphia 76ers turned out to be no match for the Magic as they marched to the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

The national media ruled the Magic out when they fell into a daunting 3-2 series hole to the Celtics, but their fans remained loyal and aided them in becoming the first squad in NBA history to overcome such a deficit against Boston.

Then, when a deflating LeBron James buzzer-beater in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals tested the Magic's psyche, the Amway Arena crowd was there to ensure they would not lose a single home game in that series.

And when the Magic earned their first trip to the NBA Finals in 14 years, their fans were behind them until the final buzzer sounded, supporting them each step of the way.

It was a special season for a phenomenal duo.

So it was no surprise that they displayed mutual admiration for each other, following the culmination of an amazing 2008-09 campaign.

Orlando Magic		Orlando Magic Fans
"They've been awesome. They supported us from day one. We had high expectations for this season and they were right with us every step of the way. Without them, we wouldn't have accomplished all that we did. Until the end they were there rooting us on. So they deserve a tremendous amount of credit for everything we've done this year. It's just disappointing that we let them down." – Magic veteran guard Anthony Johnson "The fans were tremendous throughout the whole year, especially this playoff run. They really came out and supported us, so we definitely appreciate the fans." – Magic shooting guard Courtney Lee "They've been great. They were so antsy about getting a championship here, they stuck with us. They even believed in us down 3-1, they believed in us when we were down 3-2 in the (Boston) series before. They just kept hanging in there with us. You have to love that. No booing, even though it was apparent at some point in the fourth that it was over. They cheer for us." – Magic point guard Rafer Alston "The fans have been great. They supported us no matter what the situation was. Even with three seconds left in the game, they were still cheering for us. We can hold our heads up high and have something positive to look back on once we have time and once things settle in a bit for us." – Magic point guard Jameer Nelson "Our fans were phenomenal this year – all season long, not just through the playoffs. They really brought their championship-level game in the playoffs and through The Finals." – Chief Operating Officer Alex Martins		"The Magic meant to me that if you believe, you can achieve and have fun. Kids that wouldn't speak sang and people that would never watch, attended! We weren't supposed to make it this far so why be sad and mad. I'm happy we had an AMAZING JOURNEY and have a great future." – Moe Thaer "I am proud of how this team handled themselves and matured into one unit that can come together and be one of the elite teams of the NBA. For me this season will be one I remember and cherish, but (also) a sign of better things to come." – Chevall Kanhai "It reminds me that life isn’t about being perfect, but trying to become the best version of ourselves. It reminds me about commitment, trust and hard work. But above all, it reminds me to let go and focus on the journey." – Cameron Strang "The Magic meant spending quality time with my husband and kids. (They) enabled us to teach our kids valuable lessons in life via sports!" – Karen D. "This season renewed my faith that one day we can win a title. Not just the 'we'll get 'em next year' that everyone says. But in the real, 'we very well could do it next year' feeling. One day amazing will happen in Orlando!" – Michael Lightner "The Orlando Magic mean hope to me. (They) kept me going after so many disappointments in this economy. And even though we didn't take the win, they still keep me going." – Hector Delgado.

Comment and ask questions to Dan Savage by following him on twitter at http://twitter.com/dan_savage.

For more analysis, turn to Josh Cohen, who examines the Magic's memorable season.