Magic’s rally wasted in overtime loss
MINNEAPOLIS — Halloween arrived a day early for the Orlando Magic.
After the Magic whittled away a second-quarter deficit of 17 points and eliminated a fourth-quarter deficit of nine points, they took a late lead over the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Then, everything turned into a nightmare.
An instant classic — but still a nightmare.
Kevin Love hit a gametying 3-pointer with 10 seconds left in regulation, Arron Afflalo missed a potential game-winning jumper as the fourth quarter ended and the Timberwolves pulled away in overtime for a pulse-pounding 120-115 win at Target Center.
“That was fun to be a part of,” Magic coach Jacque Vaughn said. “I’d be in even a better mood if we came out victorious. But a great effort by our guys.”
Love scored 31 points and collected 17 rebounds, and he and his teammates celebrated as they left the court.
In the tiny visitors’ locker room afterward, the Magic felt heartbroken and a bit encouraged all that the same time.
“We know we can com-
the MLS’ L.A. Galaxy included anoption to create an expansion team for $25 million.
Beckham toured Miami this summer and met with local leaders to discuss placing his franchise in South Florida.
During a live online Q&A session Wednesday on Facebook to promote his autobiography, Beckham responded to reports that he had selected Miami, saying he is “very interested” in launching an MLS team there. Beckham also said he’s “passionate” about becoming a team owner.
“It’s only a very young league,” he said of MLS. “It’s going to get better and going to get bigger over the years.”
A well-placed source in Miami’s business community told Reuters that Beckham’s representatives are looking at sites for a soccerspecific stadium — something that city and county leaders in Orlando have already approved for the Lions.
“They have people looking real hard. Theywant to be in the urban core,” the source said of the Miami effort.
Courtemanche told Reuters, “We are continuing our discussions with David Beckham regarding future ownership of an MLS expansion team.
“Our policy regarding discussions with potential expansion team owners is that we keep those conversations private until the individuals we are speaking with decide they want to go public with their plans. Thus, it is more appropriate for David Beckham to comment on his plans.”
A fan group, MLS Miami Bid, which has been campaigning for a team, welcomed the news saying it has been told to expect a formal announcement by the end of November.
“We’re very excited. We eagerly anticipate the official announcement to come. We are ready to support MLS in this city,” said Julio Caballero, spokesman for the group.
Meanwhile, Orlando City is still driving toward its goal of formally joining MLS before the end of the year.
“After last week’s exciting stadium vote, we have had encouraging discussions with Major League Soccer to bring a franchise to Orlando,” Orlando City Presi- dent Phil Rawlins said. “We are looking forwardtoanannouncementin the very near future.”