Parting is such sweet sorrow

It’s been a long winding road for the city of Orlando. We now look forward to the future and a new place to call home for a Magic team who has seen her share of ups and downs.  No matter the results of tonight’s game between the Magic and 76ers, it will be remembered as our night of parting.

Given the magnitude of such an event, I felt it fitting to (just for one brief moment in time) put tonight in perspective by incorporating a most worthy set of verse by a bard all have come to associate with heart and soul (yes, even sport fanatics are well-versed in his prose):

Juliet:
‘Tis almost morning, I would have thee gone—
And yet no farther than a wan-ton’s bird,
That lets it hop a little from his hand,
Like a poor prisoner in his twisted gyves,
And with a silken thread plucks it back again,
So loving-jealous of his liberty.

The Orlando Magic took an early command of the game possessed by a relaxed and playground tone. With three pointers falling like stick on glue, the first quarter belonged to the Orlando Magic. With but a few minutes till midnight (figuratively speaking, naturally) in the first, an ever-eager support ensemble carried the torch with multiple encores atop a wooden stage held by any other name.

First 12-minute act highlighted the following:

* Close to perfect shooting for the Magic (hitting 83.3% or 15 out of 18). While on this note, Vince Carter led all with 13
* Biggest lead for the Magic (who were never behind) at 18
* Dwight Howard shot perfectly on the floor and free throw line

Second quarter found a crowd anticipating the end of one season and the birth of another.  With attitude, Dwight (the ONLY starter to begin the second), once again, made his case for MVP by gaining.  At the 9:51 mark, NO starters were on the stage.

Though this article happens to be located in the sports section, this game was much bigger than a tidy little box.  At the end of act two, intangibles ruled a rowdy (and vocal) group on the verge of total animation.

Second Act Recap:

* Magic up 63 to 50
* Three point shooting for the Magic at 50% (3 out of 6)
* Largest lead for the Magic increased from 16 (first quarter) to 22

Romeo:
“I would I were thy bird.”

After a much needed break between acts, the third began with intensity and passion. Directed by Stan Van Gundy, the production stayed on track, rarely missing a beat (all things considered). By the end of the third act, the following headliners captivated an awe-inspired performance:

* Magic’s biggest lead, 27
* Jameer Nelson: high scorer through 3 with 21 points, making 9 of 13 attempts (3 for 5 three pointers)
* Points in the paint even for both teams at 36

Twelve minutes before lights out, where were you? Final act ended much too quickly. The Orlando Magic won on this historic night with a final score of 125 to 111. Special recognition going out to Marcin Gortat with a season high 16 points.

With encore set for this weekend in the name of playoffs (just who are these Bobcats?), a 20+ year-old arena will wake up tomorrow wondering about its future… hoping for a long playoff series as a final quiver utters from doorways entered by millions. For those lacking entrance fare, I humbly apologize.

Juliet:
Sweet, so would I,
Yet I should kill thee with much cherishing.
Good night, good night! Parting is such sweet sorrow,
That I shall say good night till it be morrow.

Romeo And Juliet Act 2, scene 2, 176–185 , Shakespeare

Sitting with pen in hand and paper longing for a story, I am…

dhuffman