When I started this blog, I didn't intend for all of the entries to be about the Warriors. Warriors basketball is what usually dominates my thoughts so these entries are just the by-product of those thoughts. However, now that the season has come to a close, I find myself wondering what to write about and what to look forward to.
These playoffs have given me as many highs as it has lows. After every defeat, especially in the Utah series, I sat there somewhat depressed reflecting on all the mistakes that were made such as Pietrus' missed free throws. The games affected my mood for the rest of the night and in turn correlated to how much studying got done after the game had finished. A win motivated me to study, a loss made me want to just sit and stare into oblivion. Between games I felt as if something was missing during my day. The days went by slower, and frankly, Armando Benitez in the 9th just didn't fulfill my need for excitement. Warriors fans are so emotionally involved it seems almost unhealthy. With that said, I felt like a part of me left with every second that ticked off the clock in the closing minute of Tuesday night's game. I know that sounds kind of pathetic, but that's really how I felt. I was angry with the referees and kind of sick of the whole Derek Fisher story, but more importantly, I had realized that this magical season was finally coming to a close.
Now that a couple days have passed, I have had a chance to look back at the season. The goal of the season was to make the playoffs for the first time in 13 seasons. Two months ago the Warriors were 9 games under .500 and looked dead in the water. They surprised us all by going 16-5 and winning 9 of the last 10 to steal the 8th seed away from the Clippers. Mission accomplished. To top that off, in the first round they pulled off the biggest upset in NBA history by beating the Mavericks who had I think the 6th best regular season record EVER. They moved on to the second round and got beat. So why am I so sad? What did I expect, to win the Western Conference? Or better yet, a championship? My hopes were high and maybe that led me to falsely believe that the Warriors actually had a chance to make it to the finals, and possibly with the championship. That obviously didn't happen. I have come to the realization that I have nothing to be sad about. They exceeded all of our expectations and in the process took the country by storm finally earning some respect from the national media. Championship teams are built in steps. This is just a large step of many towards a ring.
It has been the best season of my life and this is the reason why I have remained loyal to this team for so long. It makes winning just that much sweeter. Who knows what next year may bring, but until then, Benitez and the Giants are going to have to suffice.
