Bango – Biggest threat to the Magic?

Since the Magic completed quite possibly the ugliest sweep in the history of playoff basketball on Monday night and the team taking the past few days off, I’ve been doing some research on our possible second round foes. With Milwaukee currently leading the series 3-2, the series is still too close to be called and either team could still pull it out. Both the Atlanta Hawks and the upstart Milwaukee Bucks, the two potential second round opponents, don’t exactly strike fear in my heart (Magic were a combined 7-1 against both teams this season).  However, one of those two teams has a secret weapon that I am not convinced the Orlando Magic truly are ready for.

If the Milwaukee Bucks somehow manage to upset the Hawks, I am convinced that the biggest threat the Bucks pose to the Magic is…BANGO!

FEAR THE DEER!

When the Playoffs started my thoughts on the Bucks were “Welcome back to the Playoffs. Enjoy your 4 games.” No Michael Redd, no Andrew Bogut, the Fresh Prince running the point, and now they might be our second round opponents? WHAT THE BUCK IS GOING ON?!?

After watching the game last night, I’ve finally figured out how they’re doing it. It’s all about the furry, 6-point, acrobatic Milwaukee Buck’s mascot, Bango! With Milwaukee playing their first Playoff game in 4 years, everyone knew that the crowd would be loud at the Bradley Center…but nobody expected this. The Bucks crowd has been crazy and the team has responded ever since returning home for Game 3.

He’s doing back-flip dunks off of 30 foot ladders for crying out loud! By now you’ve seen it, you’ve had to… and if not, here you go.

Even if you were a Hawks fan in that arena, you’re definitely getting more and more excited with every step higher he goes. I was at work the first time I saw the full clip and found myself throwing my arms up and screaming, “YES!” Bango is pulling out all of the stops, folks! It hurts me to admit that I felt such joy over a promotional stunt conducted by the enemy, but I cannot deny the pure excellence being shelled out up in cheese country. As a result, I have to call out one member of the Magic Faithful, right here and right now. This may be one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do, but it has to be done…

Stuff: It is time to step up your game.

There, I did it. I’m not backing down! I mean look at what Bango is doing! Maybe he’s just trying to make everyone forget about how he limped off of the court a few years ago at the All Star Game (Yea, I haven’t forgotten). Perhaps it’s just to make himself feel better about his ridiculous name (seriously, Bango? How’d they come up with that? Maybe its because the gun goes “bang” then the deer go “oh” after they get shot. Bang! Ooooooooohhhhhhhhh! That’s my theory). Either way, Bango has clearly brought his “A” game out for the Playoffs. What have you done, Stuff?

You dyed your hair blue.

Yes, you bungee jumped from the rafters for the Game 1 intros, but even Justin Bieber bungee jumped recently!  I’m not impressed! This is the Playoffs! This is supposed to be OUR YEAR! And all you’ve done is dye your hair? You look like Cookie Monster’s gay brother for crying out loud!

I love you, Stuff…but if the Bucks get past the Hawks there is only one thing that will be on our minds: Is Blue Stuff up to the challenge? Only time will tell.

STEP. UP. YOUR. GAME!

If you don’t, it might be Bingo, Bango, Bongoh noooo we’re out of the Playoffs. Magic Nation needs you Stuff, now more than ever. Don’t let us down!