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Everyone Must Stay Optimistic

By Josh Cohen
June 11, 2009

You obviously feel heartbroken.

You know it will be difficult to overcome Thursday’s distressing overtime defeat.

You realize this is the NBA Finals and your favorite team is as close as it has been to an NBA championship in 14 years.

So, what should you do to forget what happened in Game 4 and look forward to Sunday’s Game 5 at Amway Arena?

Here are several essential tips you should follow over the next two days:

  • Start your Friday morning with a cup of refreshing coffee, tea or any other popular beverage and combine that with a scrumptious breakfast pastry. This will relax you, I promise.

  • Discuss with family and friends all the good times you have had during this memorable playoff run and think about what it would be like if the Magic overcame a 3-1 series deficit to stun the Lakers and capture the title.

  • Listen to as many inspirational songs as possible over the next couple of days. Anything that helps get you pumped up and/or crave accomplishment would be ideal. This is the best choice.

  • Recollect all of the adversities the team has dealt with this season and use that as motivation to believe the Magic can accomplish anything.

  • Go and buy Magic merchandise and paraphernalia to help boost your spirits. Everyone loves a new toy, so treat yourself to something special (a Superman cape, for instance, would do just fine).

  • Head to a local park or indoor gym and play basketball yourself. While shooting jumpers and dishing out backdoor passes, imagine you are one of the Magic players and it’s Game 5. Not only will it allow you to have a good game, it will give you confidence that the team will too.

  • Just like you have all season, have faith. Anything can happen in sports, and it’s not impossible for Orlando to conquer an arduous task.

  • Understand you are not alone. All Magic fans are hurting after Game 4 and it’s important to gather together at a time like this.

  • Vocalize your passion for the Magic. No matter where you are or what you are doing (ex. while walking your dog, at a family barbecue or even while at a business meeting at work), cheer and chant for your team. Show off your pride and dedication.

  • Listen to others talk about the situation, especially if they are optimistic that the Magic can still win this series. If you are afraid to explore this option, here are direct quotes we at Orlandomagic.com got on Twitter from fans just like you:

    Magic fan Liz Parris writes, “I still believe because until its over there is no need to give up hope. I don't ever give up hope that the game is lost until the timer hits 0.”

    Magic fan Michael Jansky writes, “I still believe because I have believed in them all year and they have never given me a reason not to believe.”

    Magic fan Michael Toledo writes, “I still have hope. The Magic have always had my hope and faith in them. The Lakers don't have 4 wins yet.”

    So, although the Magic are down 3-1, if you use this guide you will certainly be much more confident and buoyant about the whole situation.

    Believe in ‘Magic’ everyone!

    For more analysis, turn to Dan Savage, who writes about the team's resilience under difficult circumstances.