Magic Make Moves

The roar inside Amway Arena challenged the theme parks last night as Orlando showed Boston how to overcome obstacles in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Amway Arena, Eastern Conference Finals Game 5

Celtics had the chance to shut the series down but Magic made it clear that they were going to Game 6 winning 113-92. But just like a Hollywood blockbuster, there was passion, pain and a party.

The passion started with Vince Carter (8 points) and Rashard Lewis (14 points) throwing down the 3 point shots. These two had a shaky first few games but last night alongside almost every player on their team, they proved that Magic will go down in NBA history as the team who has made the most 3 points in a season.

Boston retaliated in a few different ways. Kendrick Perkins was given his 2nd technical in the first half and was ejected from the game.

The big man has the most technical fouls in the playoffs with a total of seven and will miss Game 6 of the series. Rasheed Wallace got 21 points before fouling out in the 4th.

Dwight Howard could not be stopped. The pick and roll play constantly giving him opportunities on the inside.

Paul Pierce (18 points) was having a bad night as Howard blocked shots with ease and gained 10 rebounds.His dunks gained standing ovations from the sea of blue shirts and he ended the game with 21 points.

Problems for Boston

Pain came from the Boston bench on the defensive end. Glen Davis was elbowed in the face by Howard in the last minute of the 3rd.

He struggled to regain his balance before staggering to the arms of official Joy Crawford. Play was stopped as a disorientated Davis sat on the floor with limited movement. He ended the game with 4 points and a concussion.

That wasn’t all. Marquis Daniels got hit pretty hard in the 4th. The knock to the head sent him to the floor before Celtics deliberate foul to send him to the bench.

Another concussion left Howard, Jameer Nelson and J.J Redick (14 points) with room to do more damage offensively.

Nelson took his team from possible elimination to elevation. With 24 points, 5 rebound and 5 assists, he was the key to Magic’s ignition.

Victory at home

“At this point we believe we can win the series.” Nelson giving more hope to dedicated fans but reminding them, “We have to stay humble and keep focused.”

93 teams have started and ended a series 0-3 down but Magic may go down is history as the team who beat the odds if on Friday they make it 3-3 in Boston.

Bulls see ‘Off-Season’ at the O2

Deng and team play their off- season final tonight in London

NBA Europe enthusiasts, will be out in droves to watch a game at the O2 Arena tonight at 7pm. The 18,000 sell out game, will see Utah Jazz pitted against the Chicago Bulls in their final game of the regular season.

Chicago Bulls team training picture taken by Ben Miller

The O2 signed a deal four years ago with NBA Europe securing one game a season to the UK arena- this is the third game to be played on British shores.

With the venue transformed into a full basketball court including press seating and commentary box, Leah Luchetti (NBA Europe PR) said that this is the second time the Bulls have played there and “we love coming back”.

Among those returning to the UK is Bulls superstar Luol Deng, who was born in Sweden but grew up in England.

He just re-signed a 5-year deal worth $50 million and said he is “pleased to be back” and “can’t wait to see the fans.”

Supporting the Cause

The fans will be out in force as the game is sold out, just as it has been consistently in previous years.

02 arena transformed NBA style picture taken by Ben Miller

During the training session the bulls looked stronger than ever and prepared to take on ever-confident Jazzers.

With both teams on top their league tables, tonight is set to be an exciting game, as it could propel the Jazzers two places ahead of their rivals.

2012 possibilities

The 2012 Olympic Basketball games will be played at the O2 with guests including Barack Obama set to attend. Many players from today’s game may come back if they are picked for Team USA.

More Events

For those who favour basketball over football, having the opportunity to watch global superstars, live in this country is fantastic. In August 2009, the four championship tournament was held at the O2 arena, with teams including Israel, England, Poland and Spain. This is set to happen again in 2010 with names yet to be announced.