You might've missed your chance to catch an NBA game in the UK for another year now, but last night's nail-biting game between Toronto Raptors and Orlando Magic proved just why you should be hot on getting your tickets next year. Here are 5 reasons why we had the time of our lives.
1. It's not over 'til...
First thing's first. Aside from the epic production and amazing vibes involved with attending an American sports game of this calibre, the level of skill on display was second to none. Whether you follow the NBA season or not, it's impossible not to get caught up in the game. While the Raptors kept a consistent lead over the Magic for the majority of the first, second and third quarters, the final quarter just went to show that it really ain't over 'til it's over.
Just when Raptors fans were ready to start celebrating, Magic gradually closed the gap and brought the game to a draw as the final buzzer sounded. Edge of your seat, much? As the game went into five minutes of overtime, the crowd saw blundered baskets and fouls a-plenty, courtesy of the nerves, keeping everyone's heart rate high and forcing even fence-sitters to start rooting for a side. Eventually Toronto took the win in a truly nail-biting game. We definitely won't be missing another that comes to these shores.
2. Prizes to be won
What we love about American sports is how involved the crowd can get, from interacting on the big screen to trying to bag themselves prizes. Only a lucky two get to try their hands in scoring baskets against the clock to rack up money, but Müller Rice, an official sponsor of the NBA, makes sure it's not just the teams on the court that can walk away winners on the night.
The energy-boosting snack brand launched t-shirt prizes out into the crowds through cannons and slingshots in true American sports-style, giving fans the opportunity to bag themselves merchandise and leave the court as winners, whether their team won or lost. We love a freebie, we do!
3. Rubbing shoulders
Okay, we know we were there to witness athletes at work – and that we did – but who can resist a little celeb-spotting? Rubbing shoulders might be a bit of a stretch, but we definitely laid eyes on a few A-listers, from Creed star Michael B. Jordan to Montreal Impact striker Didier Drogba. We didn't ask for any autographs though, we prefer to play it cool...
4. A slice of American pie
Us Brits are lucky to catch some of the best sports on our doorsteps, having the privilege to pick from a sea of top-level football games weekly. But if you haven't had the chance to head across to the other side of the pond to experience American sports in all its glory, then bagging a seat at one of the NBA Global Games in your own backyard is the next best thing.
Everything you think an American sports game will be is exactly what it delivers, from the giant foam fingers to trying to catch yourself up on the big screen (proposal not guaranteed).
5. Non-stop entertainment
As if we weren't already entertained to the max by the level of skill from the players, the half-time entertainment was nothing short of top notch. The famous Flight Crew Dunk Team are true athletes themselves, performing all sorts of flips, somersaults and tricks to dunk the ball from trampolines in any creative ways they could think of. In fact, they were so impressive that we didn't even have time to visit the loo for the whole game. If you haven't checked them out on YouTube yet, do it.
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