In basketball, Game 1 of the NBA Finals will start Thursday in Los Angeles as the Lakers host the Orlando Magic. With both teams gearing up for the final showdown, let's hear what some of the main figures in the upcoming clash have to say.

Orlando Magic guard Jameer Nelson, left, listens as coach Stan Van Gundy runs drills during practice for the NBA basketball finals in Los Angeles, Wednesday, June 3, 2009. The Los Angeles Lakers face the Magic in Game 1 on Thursday. [Chris Carlson/AP Photo]

Stan Van Gundy, Orlando Magic Coach, said, "I'm very confident that the way we play and the shots we try to create are the best for our team. I don't think you can sit down and say, this is the style of play that wins in the NBA and then try to replicate that. I think you have to play the style of play that gives your team, your personnel the best chance to win. And I think, you never know how this season is going to go, but we're sitting here now with the way we play."

No one can deny that Dwight Howard is the main reason that the Magic has made it all the way through to the finals.

Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic player, said, "For us, for everything we see, with everyone picking against us, it motivates us. It drives us to do something greater. I like our chances of wining a series and it comes down to who wants it more - the team who defends better. For us, if we defend, rebound and run we should have a title."