From a Proud Fan’s Perspective
By Greg Chin
Typically, I tend to shy away from subjective articles and write using facts and numbers. I prefer writing objectively, and often try to hide my “homer-ism” and be honest in my evaluation of the Golden State Warriors. However, in light of what has happened this season, please allow me this opportunity to write as an unabashed fan of this team.
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Last night, the Golden State Warriors clinched the first seed in the Western Conference with a comfortable 108-95 win over the Milwaukee Bucks. In doing so, they recorded their 60th win of the season, and in turn, set a new franchise record for the most wins in a single season. With nine games left to play, the 60-13 record could still be improved upon – a startling notion considering the history of this franchise.
I became a fan of the Warriors after watching them take on the 2006-07 Dallas Mavericks in the first round of the 2007 Playoffs. The Mavs were coming off a 67-win regular season, and were widely considered to be favourites to win the title. Meanwhile, the Warriors were 42-40, and were affectionately referred to as the “We Believe” Warriors.
No one gave the Warriors a chance. They had qualified for the playoffs for the first time since 1994, and for many fans, they were content with just a playoff berth.
However, when the Warriors won the first game of the series, the dream that they could actually steal the series became a reality. Oracle Arena became the x-factor, as the fans willed the team to an upset 4-2 series victory, becoming the first eighth seed in NBA history to win a best-of-seven series in the first round, and the third overall in NBA history.
March 23, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors former players
Butch Beard(left) and
Rick Barry(right) acknowledge the crowd during the 40th anniversary celebration of the 1975 NBA Championship team during the game against the Washington Wizards at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Watching the “We Believe” Warriors (led by Baron Davis) upset the Mavericks in a true “David vs. Goliath” display was where my fandom began. Despite being knocked out in the next round, I believed that this was just the start of something amazing for the Warriors.
Unfortunately, I (along with many others) was wrong. The Warriors would not reach the playoffs for another five seasons. They managed to improve on their record the next season, but narrowly missed out. The next few seasons were painful to watch for the fans, and I even questioned my sanity for choosing to support the Warriors in the first place.
Two sub-30 win seasons followed, before the team improved under Keith Smart (36-46 in the 2010-11 season). Stephen Curry gave fans something to hope for, and it was clear that he had talent, but his ankle injury in 2011 worried fans, and for a moment, it seemed as though the Warriors were cursed to remain in mediocrity for the foreseeable future.
Feb 3, 2015; Sacramento, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward
David Lee(10) reacts after being called for a foul against the Sacramento Kings during the fourth quarter at Sleep Train Arena. The Golden State Warriors defeated the Sacramento Kings 121-96. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
When the Warriors signed David Lee to a mammoth seven year contract, I was excited. Lee was a one-time All-Star with the New York Knicks, and it had been a while since the Warriors had such a free-agent coup. It wasn’t an instant fix, but Lee gave the fans something to cheer for.
And then, came along Mark Jackson.
By the end of his tenure, Jackson had worn out his welcome with the fans, who were sick of his isolation-heavy offense. I was one of those fans – it was clear that the team could do so much better with a free-flowing offense, and it was frustrating to see the Warriors grind out one post-up possession after another on offense.
Still, the Warriors would not be where they are now without Jackson, who helped transform this team from scrappy underdogs into a legitimate playoff team. He instilled the team with belief, and fostered this “Us against the World” mentality that thrived in the locker room.
Jackson instilled the team with belief, and fostered this “Us against the World” mentality that thrived in the locker room.
Jackson’s “Don’t forget the caterpillar when you praise the butterfly” quote has been frequently made fun of, but to continue the analogy, the butterfly we see before us today would not have been possible without Jackson’s role.
And now, the Butterfly.
Watching the team this season has been an absolute treat. From not knowing how the team would pan out under new coach Steve Kerr’s tutelage, the uncertainty surrounding Klay Thompson, the incredible start to the season, and the season-long dominance from the team, this season has played out like a fantasy.
January 2, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) congratulates guard Klay Thompson (11) for making a three-point basket during the third quarter against the Toronto Raptors at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Raptors 126-105. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
As a fan, I have never been prouder to call myself a Warriors’ fan. The pain of narrowly missing out on a playoff berth in 2008 and barren years that followed makes the success the Warriors have found recently all the sweeter. Every time I check the standings and the Warriors’ record, I find myself in awe – it still feels odd to see the Golden State Warriors sitting proudly at the top of the standings.
This is a message to the other fans out there: Enjoy this moment and savour it. Success in the NBA goes as easily as it comes. It isn’t guaranteed, and we might not see another Warrior team be as dominant as this one.
And to the Warriors: Thank you. The season may not be over just yet, and the goal of winning a title is still ahead, but for everything that has happened this season, I sincerely want to thank you. I am glad to have remained faithful to this team, and I feel vindicated in my decision to do so. On behalf of fans everywhere, thank you for this season.
Next stop: #wegonnabechampionship