Oracle Arena

Posted by M - on June 13, 2019

Tonight marks the 6th game in the 2019 NBA Finals. The Golden State Warriors trail the Toronto Raptors 2 games to 3. If the Warriors are to stay in this series – moving to the final round in Toronto – they MUST win tonight.

The Dubs will be playing minus 2 of their key players (Kevin Durant and Kevon Looney) who are out with injuries, but Vegas has them winning by a small margin. Their legacy is on the line…*

Even if the Warriors (GO WARRIORS!) win tonight it will be bittersweet. While Dub-nation will be rallying the Warriors’ dynasty onward, they’ll also be saying goodbye to another legacy. This will be the last game played at Oracle Arena.

(I just couldn’t resist. ≋;> )

oracle
n. a person or thing regarded as an infallible authority or guide on something
n. a response or message given by an oracle, typically one that is ambiguous or obscure (archaic)

From wikipedia.com:
The arena opened in 1966 and is the oldest arena in the NBA.
The Oracle Arena is an indoor arena located in Oakland, California, United States, and is (has been) the home of the Golden State Warriors of the National Basketball Association (NBA) since the 1971-72 season.

nbcbayarea.com:
The last goodbye to Oracle Arena is upon the Warriors, and there is no doubt they and their crowd will do all they can to bring down the walls.

Whether the roar will be enough to deliver victory over the Toronto Raptors on Thursday night in Game 6 of the NBA Finals is another matter. It will be determined by the quality of the basketball, which in this instance is the co-star.

This night belongs to the building formerly known as the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Arena, then The Arena in Oakland, followed briefly by Oakland Arena and, lastly, Oracle Arena. This night is about 47 years of memories, of times good and bad, of fans that have entered the gates and those who greeted them with a smile and a kind word.

Warriors fans get nostalgic about Oracle Arena ahead of Game 6
Warriors to pay tribute to Oakland, Durant in Oracle finale

*
2019 Free Agents
Kevin Durant
Klay Thompson
DeMarcus Cousins
Quinn Cook
Jonas Jerebko
Kevon Looney
Jordan Bell
Damion Lee
Marcus Derrickson
Andrew Bogut

Contracts expiring 2020
Draymond Green
Andre Iguodala
Shaun Livingston
Damian Jones
Alfonzo McKinnie

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I’m Going Out On A Limb

Posted by M - on May 27, 2018

2018 NBA PLAYOFFS

Both the Eastern and Western Divions are in Game 7 of their respective series – with the final match between the Cavaliers and Celtics tonight in Boston. I’m betting the Cavaliers will win the Eastern series and go on to the Finals.

I’m also predicting 2018 MVP will go to LeBron James. This is a no-brainer.

‘Kayso, what about the Golden State Warriors? They face the Houston Rockets for Game 7 of their series tomorrow night in Houston (6:00pm PST).

It will be a knuckle-biter for Dub-nation…

It’s no secret I’m a proud part of Dub-nation, and have the Warriors’ addition of Kevin Durant to the roster last year to thank for that. After following last year’s playoffs, emerging victorious as 2017 NBA Champs, and religiously watching every single game this season, I’ve gotten a feel for all the players. The Golden State Warriors are a the Dream Team of the NBA.

Therefore, it pains me to see the turnovers and less-than-stellar decisions they make on the court. Up until the second half of last night’s game against Houston, you wouldn’t have guessed that this was a win-or-go-home match. They finally got their mojo back to win 115-86, tying the Series.

But one glaring point emerged. While the Cavs have a strong presence in LeBron James and the Rockets have theirs with James Harden, the Warriors lack this. Kevin Durant is ranked 2nd best player in the NBA; and while he is a superb all-around basketball player he doesn’t have the leadership strengths needed to be a LeBron or a Harden. What I did see in the 2nd half was Steph Curry taking the lead and that’s when they started turning things around.

Which brings me to my prediction for tomorrow’s game. If Steph continues to take the reins, along with Draymond Green (who’s got some solid leadership skills of his own), they will prevail over the Rockets. If not, well…they’re up against a tough opponent. I guess it will all come down to how much they want it.

I sure would love to see the Warriors against the Cavaliers. It will be the 4th time these two teams have faced each other in the Finals. My prediction: The Golden State Warriors will cream the Cleveland Cavaliers.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

After spending two months recovering from a lumbar spinal contusion, Patrick MacCaw (0) took the court once again last night (to a standing ovation that gave me goose bumps), landing his opening shot right into the basket. Welcome back, Patrick!

I’m also continually dazzled out-of-my mind by the presentation and production value at the Oracle Arena. I watched a lot of NBA matches at arenas around the country and, hands-down, Oracle puts on THE BEST!!! Amazing video and LED displays, pyro-technics, and a tonnage of Warrior-yellow confetti dropped at the end of the games – not to mention some top-notch half-time entertainment and the solid (and loud) support of Dub-nation attendees. WARRR-RIORRS WARRR-RIORRS WARRR-RIORRS

Did a little research and turns out it’s an in-house production, Warrior Studio, that’s behind the “pomp and circumstance”. They’re not only responsible for in-stadium entertainment at Oracle, they also produce video content for warriors.com, social media platforms, commercials, and TV shows – snagging an Emmy for their extraordinary efforts!

https://www.tvtechnology.com/expertise/gsw-inhouse-studio-always-on-the-go
https://www.nba.com/warriors/news/warriors-win-three-northern-california-emmyr-awards
https://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Daily/Issues/2017/06/27/Media/Social-Studies.aspx

GO WARRIORS!!!

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Just the Fact-oids from Dubsville

Posted by M - on March 31, 2018

The Golden State Warriors have been having a tough time of it the last few months injury-wise. But instead of focusing on the speculation about the upcoming playoffs, I dug-up some interesting tidbits on a few of their players.

Jordan Bell (#2)
Astrological sign: Capricorn
Attended Long Beach Polytechnic High School

Kevin Durant (#35)
Astrological sign: Libra
The close relationship Kevin has with his Mom was detailed in a Lifetime movie,
The Real MVP: The Wanda Pratt Story
He’s contributed to the new media company The Players’ Tribune as both a photographer and writer; and covered Super Bowl 50 as their credentialed photographer.

Draymond Green (#23)
Astrological sign: Pisces
Draymond admitted of all animals he’s most afraid of cats!
(I think he should start hanging-out with JaVale & Raja…)

Andre Iguodala (#9)
Astrological sign: Aquarius
Andre likes playing video games – especially the NBA 2K series.

Damian Jones (#15)
Astrological sign: Cancer
Majored in engineering science.

Kevon Looney (#5)
Astrological sign: Aquarius
His cousin is fellow teammate Nick Young.

JaVale McGee (#1)
Astrological sign: Capricorn on the cusp of Aquarius

Owns a Sphynx cat named Raja

Became a vegan last year

Up until 2013 (when the Nuggets drafted Gobert), McGee had the largest documented armspan of any current NBA player: 7’6.5″

The reality series Mom’s Got Game chronicled the lives of JaVale and his Mom (a former WNBA basketball star), Pamela McGee

Klay Thompson (#11)
Astrological sign: Aquarius

Owns an English Bulldog named Rocco

Raised $360,374 to help those affected by the October 2017 Northern California wildfires

Nick Young (#6)
Astrological sign: Gemini
In addition to Looney, Nick is also a cousin of rapper Kendrick Lamar
He was the main subject of a 2007 documentary Second Chance Season

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Warriors-Clippers Halftime Show

Posted by M - on January 7, 2018

Warriors 121 – Clippers 105

Saving Forever played @ the Staples Center during halftime – they rocked!
Loved the female drummer.

Saving Forever Facebook page:
“Saving Forever is a youth band that consists of three talented young siblings whom are all guitarists, vocalists, and songwriters. Kavah Harris, Kye Harris, and the youngest, Khaden Harris, began classic musical training on the piano at a young age in their hometown right outside of Chicago, Illinois. After a few years of lessons, the brothers decided to expand their musical talent as a team to form their own band, p.k.a Saving Forever. With the support of their parents, the three brothers have congealed to form a modern day band capable of covering today’s hottest Pop and Alternative rock music. The group has performed in front of thousands of fans and is continuing to build their fan base by recording live singles and touring throughout the United States. While each brother has vocal talent, Kavah holds many songs together with his steady talent on the electric guitar, alongside Kye who uses his leadership talent with the base, while Khaden brings joy and excitement with his willingness to be in middle on set. Saving Forever is comprised of three brothers that have been reared with strong musical influences form many different eras. This group is a new entertainment sensation cultivated from true musicianship.”

www.savingforever.com

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