Warriors returning to friendlier confines today
SAN FRANCISCO >> You stay classy, Chase Center crowd.
After critiquing Boston's rowdy fans and eventually squaring the NBA Finals, the Warriors return to host Game 5 tonight against the Celtics.
“They have got a great crowd, a great fan base,” Celtics star Jayson Tatum said Sunday. “Obviously, they have been in this position many a time, in the Finals, after the last six, seven years.”
The Warriors were not as complimentary at what they just experienced on the road, where derogatory chants welcomed Draymond Green to Boston in the Celtics' Game 3 win. Steph Curry eventually silenced the crowd with his 43-point outburst in Friday's Game 4 victory.
How might the atmosphere impact Game 5 inside Chase Center?
In the Finals' first two games there, obligatory jeers went toward the referees, while cheers were reserved for “MVP! MVP!” with Curry at the freethrow line, not to mention the grassroots' cries of “Looooon!” for big man Kevon Looney.
“It's always great when fans recognize that,” Warriors forward Nemanja Bjelica said. “It helps you a lot, especially in this type of situation in the playoffs. Our fans, they're the best in the league. They understand basketball so they support you for 48 minutes.”
The Celtics weren't exactly taunted in their past visits, other than having their missed shots celebrated with applause.
“They treat us like every other crowd: they're cheering for their team, and they don't like us whenever we do anything,” Celtics guard Derrick White said.
Fans' furor won't determine who wins the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy.
“You know, it's basketball,” Tatum said. “I feel like, for whatever reason, we've played somewhat better on the road these playoffs than we have at home.”
Indeed. That's a red flag the Warriors must recognize. Of course, the Celtics rallied for a Game 1 win here, 120-108 on June 2.
In Boston's preceding series, they went 2-0 at Brooklyn, 2-1 at Milwaukee, and 3-1 at Miami, where they won the Eastern Conference title in Game 7. The Celtics are 4-5 at home since their firstround sweep of the Nets.
By winning Friday's visit to TD Garden, the Warriors technically regained homecourt advantage, in that they would host Game 7 Sunday, if needed.
“The most remarkable moment in these Finals I think was going on the road and winning Game 4 for us,” Green said Sunday. “Anytime you can go on the road and win in a hostile environment, it's always a great feeling.”
It was in stark contrast to how the Warriors felt after their Game 3 loss there, amid the curse-filled catcalls toward Green.
“We've played in front of rude people before,” Klay Thompson said after that game. “Dropping f-bombs with children in the crowd. Really classy. Good job, Boston.”
Hear ye, hear ye: Boston will host Game 6 on Thursday night. But first comes Game 5 inside, the Boathouse That Curry Built.