Just watching a Basketball game may not be able wash away tough times by itself, but it can help serve as a nice distraction.
It was in that spirit that the Orlando Magic invited the Allen family of Maitland -- witnesses to the recent terrorist attacks in Mumbai, India -- to Thursday night's game against San Antonio. Luis Allen, a psychiatrist, and his wife, Maxine Williams Allen, were on their last night of vacation in Mumbai with their sons, Brandon, 13, and Jonathan, 10.
Staying in the Taj Mahal Palace & Tower hotel, they could hear the explosions of grenades nearby as they hid under their bed.
After hearing about their ordeal, Magic officials arranged for the family not only to attend the game but also meet with C Adonal Foyle pregame.
Foyle sat courtside with them and took several pictures.
"After that kind of event [in Mumbai], you realize that everyday is a day to enjoy," Luis Allen said. "This was another thing to enjoy moving forward."
Pietrus close to return
If things go perfectly, Magic G Mickael Pietrus could be ready to return to the court as early as Saturday, though he said it probably won't be until next week.
On Wednesday, the cast was taken off his right hand, which he has been wearing since an MRI revealed a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his thumb on Nov. 29.
He went through Thursday's morning walk-through but said he's still wasn't comfortable enough to play against the Spurs.
He may be back in time for Golden State on Monday.
"We'll see," Pietrus said. "It takes time when you haven't played in three weeks to get back in Basketball shape and the team's level."
