According to economics.about.com, utility is the economist’s way of measuring pleasure or happiness and how it relates to the decisions that people make. Although utility is not directly measurable, it can be inferred from the decisions that people make.
Though the concept of utility is typically tied to economics, truth can reside within the Amway Arena. To crystalize the concept, let’s take the Orlando Magic to the natural conclusion… playoff contention is, unless one happens to be recovering from a 1960’s lava lamp mush, not an option. Begging the next question: What’s the utility of supporting a fairy tale pretend? Could the “measure of pleasure” be transferred to those in attendance, thus securing utility and a motive to dig deeply into pockets lacking thread?
Come on, you’ve questioned and rationalized reasons to attend Orlando Magic games multiple times this season (probably before the season even began) so stop the pouting and finger-pointing. Constructing a cost/benefit analysis, coming to the Amway Arena and believing that the Magic actually do produce utility are substantiated by thousands of fans filling thousands of seats. Therefore, the fact of acknowledging a winning season for the Orlando Magic will not happen does not deter support. With winning not the driving force, what’s the point?
Based upon the noise, cheers, and audience pretend, I propose utility comes in the form of an emotional and/or psychological catharsis. Think about it, there’s nothing like a good old-fashioned scream to release built up trapped tension disallowed during regular working hours… thank you Orlando Magic for giving us a sanctioned medium to yell.
With a new and improved insight as to the “why” of subsidizing a misplaced cause, I am ready to emancipate anxiety as tip is only seconds away.
On paper, the Los Angeles Clippers will have their way. After all, the Magic are on a slippery slope while the Clippers are climbing atop their division. Good news, there should be plenty audience release… which is, according to medical consensus, a healthy thing to do and happens to be the true reason for attendance.
Tip was controlled by the Clippers who settled for a wayward pass, turnover number one. Magic drew the first miss of the game while L.A. kindly threw their possession out of bounds, turnover number two. Magic finally drew first blood due to a tip-in by Nicholson. Clippers fought back with another turnover, can you say three in a row. Nelson accepted the gift by hitting his first shot, a three-pointer.
Clippers finally scratched the metal by swishing two free throws. Up five to two, Orlando grabbed another turnover, coasting for an uncontested layup. After four turnovers in five possessions, the Clippers call for a chat on the sideline.
Back from their first breather, Los Angeles connected an 18 footer. Lacking intensity, the first quarter seemed to take much longer than 12 minutes. Detailed by poor shots, lethargic performances (both teams guilty), excessive turnovers, and no opportunities to launch a personal psychological release, I couldn’t help but notice the large percentage of empty seats.
After 12 minutes of ho hum, here’s what you missed:
- Two teams equal in score, 17
- Turnovers: Magic with 5, Clippers winning at 7
- Shooting percentages: Magic at 28% while the Clippers stood tall at 36%
After a 12-minute episode of boredom, the second quarter began with a thud, multiple fouls, and too many air balls. Not feeling any sense of utility, a quiet crowd, thus far, had not been given any opportunity to release lidded turmoil. Not feeling the love, the second quarter hobbled along like a worm without a tail.
Questing utility, the second quarter established a worm without a tail is not a worm at all:
- Orlando held the edge, 42 to 40
- Cold shooting remained dominant, Orlando making 36%. Clippers making 42%
- Jameer Nelson led all in the point department with 18, no other player in double figures
Sensing the second half couldn’t be less stimulating than the first, spectators hurried as the first tick proclaimed a change in attitude. Orlando brought the ball in first, danced a few steps and witnessed Vucevic slam it home. LA missed from 18, what else is new? After an Orlando turnover, an uncontested layup, and a following dunk, each team owned 44 points.
Two Magic turnovers within 30 seconds allowed the Clippers to pull ahead by five, 51 to 46. With a sense of gradual decline of audience and athlete energy, the Magic held service on the side. Coming back strong with a turnover and a miss, the lead crept to seven. Lacking defensive determination, a stand around quarter settled much like it began, void of vigor.
With 12 minutes remaining, Orlando trailed 64 to 55:
- Nelson was scoreless throughout the third
- Orlando remained cold from the floor, shooting 34% within the arc and 27% outside the arc
The final 12 minutes proved to be a lesson in futility. Neither team played with intensity or defensive valor. Neither team seemed to question fate as the outcome of this game really didn’t matter. The Clippers will be in the playoffs. The Magic will not.
Final score: Orlando Magic 76, Los Angeles Clippers 86
Lacking any measure of pleasure and seeking utilities outlet, I am
Danny Huffman
West Orlando News Online Event and Career Columnist
Shadow me on Twitter: @dannyatecs
