If you didn't before, I'd be willing to bet you do now.

When I say 'magic', I'm not talking about making things disappear, over-the-top illusions, or pulling a rabbit out of a hat. I'm talking about the type of magic that cannot ever accurately be described in words. Rather, it's a subconscious awareness that even for a few small moments, absolutely everything is right in the world.

It's a type of euphoria where everything just feels good; there's really no better way to describe it. Any existential worries in other areas of one's life seemingly are lifted away in an instant, and a very real cognizance of joy and exuberance occurs that some individuals may only be privy to a couple of times throughout their lives.

An entire season of hard work and dedication culminated with one of these rare moments Friday night as the Mercury were crowned 2009 WNBA Champions; and for a few moments, we were fortunate enough to witness multiple levels of real magic. 

As soon as you entered the arena Friday night, there was a palpable feeling of electricity; one of those few experiences in professional sports where you just knew it was going to be a night to remember. Almost 18,000 fans filed into US Airways Center in support of not just the Mercury, but the WNBA and women's basketball in general. It was the most attended Finals in league history, a 43.3% increase from last season, and garnered double-digit growth for ESPN2's coverage of the WNBA Finals (an average of 522,000 viewers - an increase of 66% over last year). This type of support for the league is unprecedented and shows a paradigm shift in respect and admiration for these phenomenal athletes that they've long deserved. 

In the end, it becomes increasingly difficult to solidify a single point in this season as "greater" than another. Obviously winning the Championship will stand out, but the 2009 season was comprised of dozens of lesser-known, equally as meaningful episodes involving the collective team. It was never about a single player or individual recognition.  Here are a few memories that should stand out.

• The immediate impact of rookie DeWanna Bonner - a double-double in her first WNBA game
• Temeka Johnson's leadership on the court, and her game-winning shot in Sacramento
• Ketia Swanier, Nicole Ohlde, Kelly Mazzante, and Brooke Smith comprising the deepest bench in the league
• The legendary return of Penny Taylor, and her immeasurable significance to the team's success
• Tangela Smith's two momentum saving three-pointers in game 5
• Le'coe Willingham's career year and toughness
• Cappie Pondexter's inspiring play all season long, and command of the game
• Diana Taurasi - the MVP's, the heart, the intensity, and the passion

While words fail to label the true sense of bliss that was evident Friday night, the expressions of the players, coaches, organization, and fans capture it best. Seeing the genuine out-pouring of emotions from the team whether it was tears of joy, a smile from ear to ear, or a celebratory hug from teammate to teammate undeniably manifested what true magic really is.

I, for one, am now a believer.