I'm not really an NBA fan, but I am a fan of pretty much any competition, so it was entertaining.  NBA games seem to be a lot more about the "show" rather than the game.  Everything was sponsored by someone, the "cheerleaders" could probably be seen later that night at a local gentleman's club (not that I minded), and there were local celebrities everywhere.  Ric Flair (NATURE BOY IN DA HOUSE) was sitting a few rows down from us, and one of the anchors for News 14 was there too.  Not to mention half of the NASCAR drivers.  It was all interesting people watching.

I had watched PTI the week before when Charles Barkley was on, saying that he was "disappointed in the product that the NBA puts on the floor every night" and I can totally see that.  The game was about athleticism, not really about skill.  Dwight Howard could NOT hit any shot more than 3 feet from the basket, but the dude is huge and dominates inside.

The game went into overtime, and the Magic ended up winning, but I didn't really care too much.  Mostly because half the dang Bobcats played for UNC, and people all around us were obnoxious about rubbing that fact in every time one of them did something good.  It was annoying.  Probably the only time I will ever secretly cheer for JJ Redick (he once played for Duke, now plays for the Magic and was booed every time he touched the ball).  At one point I told Erin "I hope the Bobcats win, but if JJ can hit a game winner and shut all these homers up, I'll be happy anyway".

Anyway, the trip was fun.  Charlotte has a great environment downtown with lots of restaurants and a decent vibe.  We had a good time and were thankful for the tickets.