The Orlando Magic's "sixth man" in the National Basketball Association Finals is actually a girl. The Magic have found a good luck charm in Gina Marie Incandela, a 7-year-old grammar student who belts out the US national anthem before each home game
The Orlando Magic's "sixth man" in the National Basketball Association Finals is actually a girl.
The Magic have found a good luck charm in Gina Marie Incandela. Orlando is 7-0 when the 7-year-old grammar student stands at center court in Amway Arena and belts out the US national anthem before each home game.
Her stirring rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" sends the more than 17,000 fans into a frenzy and gives the players the comfort of knowing they are at home.
"We know she doesn't have a direct impact on the game but she's the spark that gets the energy going," Magic guard JJ Redick said of Incandela, who suffers from a form of autism.
"I would be a little bit freaked out if I come Thursday night and some 40-year-old middle-aged guy came out there to sing the anthem."
Guard Jameer Nelson said Gina is the ultimate crowd pleaser.
"I'm not a guy who's big into believing in luck but I believe she's a good-luck charm to us," Nelson said.
With a disappointing 5-7 road record in the 2009 playoffs and games six and seven scheduled for Los Angeles if necessary, the Magic need all the help they can get at home, where they are 8-2.
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