By Isla Bell Murray
Going into tonight’s game, they lead the heavily favored Denver Nuggets three games to one in a best-of-seven series, which means that the Warriors will most likely advance to the second round for the first time since 2006–2007’s legendary “We Believe” season. So whether you’re a longtime devotee, a part-time enthusiast, or an out-and-out front-runner, now is the time to throw yourself into supporting this team. The Warriors are totally worth it.
Golden State has been both insanely fun and unbelievably agonizing to watch this season. They burst out to a great start, going 22–10 before fading enough to claim the sixth seed in the West. Tenacious forward David Lee was even named to the Western All-Stars, the first time a Warrior had been honored with this selection since Latrell Sprewell in 1997.
Despite the late-season stumbles, Dub Nation was cautiously optimistic about being matched up against the third-seeded Nuggets. But then a tough loss in game one at Denver was made much, much worse — David Lee tore his hip flexor in the game, knocking him out of the playoffs for good. Cautious optimism became barely concealed panic, but the Warriors rallied to win the next three games, which culminated in Sunday night’s raucous 115–101 rout in front of the hometown crowd.
The Warriors are one of the youngest teams in the League, which means their games are fast, high-flying, and occasionally lacking in fundamentals. Luckily, they more than make up for it by boasting several of the most likable players in basketball. Let’s review some important people, places, and things.
Stephen “Steph” Curry: The preternaturally poised Curry, a fourth-year guard, is the undisputed leader of the Warriors. He’s got a devastating handle, great passing instincts, and truly remarkable skill as a scorer. Curry seems like a perfectly sweet dude, but he was downright NASTY in the third quarter of Sunday’s game, dropping 22 points in just seven minutes. Curry also took a shot to the eye later in the game, which led to an amazing post-game Tweet.
Andrew Bogut: A towering Aussie, in his first full season with the team the center has played hard but is obviously not at 100% after surgery earlier this season. Bogut shows tons of emotion and is delightfully absurd, like when he high-fived himself after taking a free throw.
Jarrett Jack: A cagey veteran who bounced around the League during his career, Jack has become a central part of the Warriors during his first year with the team. I had the pleasure of sitting ten rows back for a game this season, and one thing I noticed was just how tough the 6'3" Jack was among the giants on the floor.
Klay Thompson and Harrison Barnes: The Warriors’ picks from the last two drafts, both Thompson and Barnes are crazy-athletic young guys who are still figuring out how best to harness their abilities. Interestingly, both Thompson’s and Curry’s fathers played in the NBA as well.
Festus Ezeli: A fan favorite for his hustle and toughness, the Nigerian Ezeli is also beloved for possessing one of the best sports names this side of Barkevious Mingo.
Andris Biedriņš and Richard Jefferson: These two guys don’t play much, but they do make more than $20 million of the Warriors’ $70 million payroll. They are also the source of nearly 80% of Warriors fans’ self-deprecating humor. Latvian Biedriņš was nicknamed “The One Minute Man” by the Golden State Warriors blog for not being able to stay in the game longer than 60 seconds without fouling.
Mark Jackson: The Warriors coach is an ex-NBA player who spent much of the last decade working as an announcer. Now in his second year as coach, Jackson has shown himself to be talented, emotional, and prone to making wild exaggerations about his players. Even the biggest Warriors fans probably don’t think Curry and Thompson are the “greatest shooting backcourt in the history of the game.” But it’s pretty rad that Jackson has the balls to say they are.
Roaracle: The Warriors’ home-court advantage comes from a delirious combination of their idiosyncratic building and the crazed energy of the fans that fill it. The Oracle Center is the oldest building still in use in the League — and it looks it. But it’s also LOUD AS FUCK, thanks to the Warriors’ faithful. As much fun as the team is to watch on TV, seeing them live is a totally different — and amazing — experience. I’ve sat in the great seats mentioned above and in literally the last seat in the upper deck. Both were great, but the upper deck featured more intense dancing, much more creative uses of profanity, and a festive dude named “Provolone.” Seriously, head out to a game if you can.
“We Belong”: An updated slogan for a rebuilt team. “We Believe” has become “We Belong,” as in “We deserve to win in the playoffs.” And with their heart, their teamwork, and their infectious enthusiasm, the Warriors are proving that they definitely do.
Game five is tonight. Steph Curry may not play due to that eye patch. But it’s very rare for a team to lose a series when they’re up 3–1. So assuming that the Warriors do advance, they’ll face the intimidating San Antonio Spurs. The Spurs have been one of the best teams in the League for over a decade, so the odds will be against Golden State. Which is just the way Dub Nation likes it.
Go Warriors!
Image 1 via Keith Allison
Image 2 via Tanzen80's
Image 3 via Bleacher Report
Image 4 via Nik_Lala
Summary Image via Keith Allison
