Dan Savage and Josh Cohen debate whether winning a playoff game at home or on the road is a more satisfying victory.
Which is why winning on the road in the NBA possesses such an extra sense of satisfaction.
Statistically basketball squads are nearly always worse while playing the role of traveler than when they are in the confines of their own arena. Take the Hawks for example. They went a sensational 34-7 at Philips Arena during their 2009-10 regular season campaign, but could only muster a 19-22 record away from the ATL.
In the NBA, winning at home is an easier task. It’s expected. It should be done. So what’s the big hoopla about all that?
Sure, winning in front of your home fans with the loud cheers and applause is great, but is there really anything better than silencing thousands of people who hate every fiber of your being all in one foul swoop?
Didn’t think so.
You could tell there was a little extra pep in the Magic’s step after Saturday’s road victory.
Not only did they go up 3-0 in the series, but they also forced Hawks fans to turn against their own team as the Atlanta unfaithful booed their own team from halftime on.
One fan sitting behind me started to complain to a nearby Magic fan that he had to pay $5 for his whiteout shirt, while the crowd in Orlando gets them for free.
Another gentleman asked another nearby Magic faithful if he could trade him his Joe Johnson jersey for his Dwight Howard ensemble, since he now considered his current apparel “worthless.” It instantly brought a smile that guy’s face.
After all, there’s nothing like taking joy in an opposing fan’s misery, especially in their own house.
There is nothing like listening to the earsplitting resonance of approval when Vince Carter slams home a thunderous dunk and there is nothing that compares to the deafening clatter that bounces off the hardwood of Amway Arena when one of your favorite players drains a critical 3-pointer.
Yes, winning on the road is relieving, but prevailing at home is as invigorating as tossing up your cap at high school or college graduation.
Games 1 and 2 of the Eastern Conference Semifinal series against the Atlanta Hawks coagulated this perspective. Fans united for 96 minutes to support their favorite team, and especially in Game 2 when the Magic trailed by eight at halftime, re-energized Orlando to give it a commanding series lead.
In general, NBA players enjoy the thrill of celebrating a victory in front of those who have provided them support. It’s in our nature to appreciate the assistance others give to us.
It’s like, for example, when someone goes the extra mile to help you accomplish a goal. Usually at the end, we show our gratitude with a million thank you messages. It’s no different inside an NBA venue.
Although there is a great deal of satisfaction sending opposing fans home disappointed when playing on the road, it doesn’t compare to being able to look at your fans’ cheerful faces knowing you helped make their day as blissful as possible.
Just think back to last season’s Eastern Conference Finals against the Cavaliers. It was a memorable experience for all those in attendance of the Magic’s series clinching Game 6 win to be able to share in the celebration and award ceremony with the players. If Orlando had finished off the series in Cleveland, fans would have had to wait until the next home game to bond with thousands of other Magic enthusiasts.
Don’t get me wrong, a win is a win. But if you ask me what I think is a more satisfying victory, a home triumph just can’t be beat.
|
What do you think is a more satisfying win in the playoffs?
Latest Results
|
