Dunk like Curry!

Watching an NBA game has always been a dream for every kid. When I was 10 years of age, my dad regularly watched International Basketball games and at every dinner, it became a routine to watch the sport. I grew up watching Jordan, Pippen and Bryant and always imagined them as my idols. Besides, Basketball I admired Michael Jordan, because of his determination for winning every game he played.

It was a regular holiday in the summer of 2019 when my dad came home after mowing the lawn. He called me up and handed me 4 exclusive tickets for Golden State warriors v/s the Los Angeles Lakers at Chase Center in San Fran. I was struck for a minute, and I cannot express how happy I was!!!.

A month passed by I made sure that every game before shall be known to me. I even researched about the game and what is going to be there (Looking on to some extras). I had always seen Steph Curry and LeBron James on the TV, but this was a real moment.

We reached the Center around 1.5 hours before since we did not want to miss any action. There was a little line outside Gate 3, but later when I observed, there was a free Jersey Giveaway to the first 5000 fans, which made me more excited about the game. The aura and the environment were so lively, there were street performances and food trucks outside. The gates opened at 6:30 pm and we rushed to our seats. My dad brought us some popcorn and soda. As we took our seats, I saw Russell and started to scream out his name, as I could not bear the excitement anymore.

As it was the final the arena was a house full, I remember the fan count was around 18,000. There were various people from all over the world watching the game, everybody had various attires and different jerseys to support their favourite team. My uncle had once gifted me a Warriors Steph Curry Jersey on my 15th birthday, and I am a Warrior fan too. It was a fan moment for me, and I was fascinated with the vibe around.

At 7:30, Quarter 1 began, and everybody cheered for Curry and James. The first dunk was scored by Daniels of the Lakers, every fan cheered, and that energy was amazing. At the end of the first quarter, the Lakers were on lead by 1, the second quarter was tense, and I could feel silence around, but Curry was in form resulting in 23-40, and the warrior fans started chanting with joy and I blew a horn which I carried along with me for celebration. In the interval, my father brought me Schneider’s Hot dogs, some poutine and Sprite in the Warriors Special edition Cup which I have kept as a souvenir to date.

After the refreshment break, it was Quarter 3 and the crowd got back with the energy, Norvell Jr. and Curry were against each other. There were many passes, many 3-pointers, and many attempts to compete against each other. After a tough fight, Los Angeles Lakers won the third. The crowd celebrated but the warriors’ fan faces were a good view to look at. The score was 33-23 and the LAL was set to win the final. A strategy break was announced, and it was a tense environment. My father grabbed a beer and all of us were ready to watch the fourth quarter.

The fourth quarter was intense, Steph Curry was in total form and hit long shots, and 3-pointers back-to-back and the visiting team was calling for the win. It was the last quarter and finally, the score was up to 15 for the Lakers and the Warriors had scored exactly the double and the crowd realized the Golden State Warriors had won the game. It was a celebration moment. Fans were crying out of happiness, and it was truly a moment. I celebrated it with my dad and indeed it was a dream come true for me. I cannot forget that day anytime in my life. Later to add a cherry to the top, outside the Center like all fans were waiting for the players to come out and Curry came and signed off my Jersey. I was star-struck and could not express my happiness. I thanked my dad for all this experience. I keep going to NBA games often, but this was the first and the very special one. Basketball is truly a great sport and I love it!