Why the Bay Area Is the Sports Capital of the World
By Eric He
We Belong
In 2007, it was the “We Believe” team that stunned the nation, knocking off the top-seeded Mavericks in the first round of the playoffs.
May 2, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors fans celebrate after winning game six against the Denver Nuggets of the first round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. The Golden State Warriors defeated the Denver Nuggets 92-88 to win the series. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
In 2012, it was the “We Belong” team that did more than just believe. This Warriors team proved the resurgence of the franchise, finally coming out a hole that they have been falling deeper and deeper into for the past 15 years.
The road has undoubtedly been bumpy for the Warriors ever since Joe Lacob shipped away their supposed “franchise player” in Monta Ellis for a injury-prone Andrew Bogut, and fans voiced their displeasure by booing their owner in a disgraceful and embarrassing moment for everyone involved.
A year later, free from the ball-hogging and star treatment with Ellis on the team, the Warriors shocked the nation against all odds once again.
A team that was given a zero-percent chance by ESPN to make the playoffs not only advanced to the postseason, but also beat a tough Nuggets team in Round 1 and nearly upset the Spurs in the semifinals.
Ultimately, they came up two wins short, but they have finally removed the “perennial loser” tag and replaced it with one that says “look out, we’re dangerous.”
Add on the fact that the Warriors are moving to a state-of-the-art stadium in San Francisco in four years, and there is certainly a lot to look forward to with this franchise.
Besides, who needs a ball-hogging, chemistry killing, defensive liability when you can just have Stephen Curry drilling 3-pointers all day?