ORACLE ARENA, OAKLAND, CA — Before Game 1 between the New Orleans Pelicans and Golden State Warriors, Nayah Damasen was just about to begin singing the national anthem, when an old custom of #Roaracle spontaneous re-emerged: the chant of, “Waaaaarrrrriorrrrs! Waaaaarrrrriorrrrs!”
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With the arena all decked out in gold t-shirts, the crowd standing often, it was the familiar “this-is-bigger-than-just-a-game” atmosphere that Warriors fans have grown accustomed to over the past two years in the playoffs — and in the #WeBelieve year of 2006-07.
After a season where the Warriors enjoyed double-digit wins, went 39-2 at home, and such chants were few and far between, the return of the raucous playoff crowd reminded everyone how unique Oracle has become.
The #Roaracle effect hit both teams, as we wrote in the detailed halftime recap:
Both teams came out with a bit of the jitters. Anthony Davis lost the ball on the Pelican’s first possession, dribbling the ball right into Draymond Green‘s hands. But Klay Thompson turned the ball right back on a similar mis-dribble. Quincy Pondexter streaked down the court for an easy layup for the first points of the night.
But although things got loud at times…
…and even Davis admitted:
It was pretty hectic. It was so loud, I couldn’t hear my teammates, my coaches.
…those familiar with #Roaracle decibel levels know that it wasn’t the loudest it’s been because of the Saturday day game, as compared to a weeknight game.
As Warriors PR assistant Dan Martinez, tweeted, “Oracle was loud Saturday. But traditionally, weekend day games don’t compare to night games. Should be really rockin tonight.”
Andre Iguodala concurred, “Interesting thing is, it was a day game, so it wasn’t as loud. I’ve heard it louder and I know it’ll be louder come tonight.”
Not that Oracle needed any help, but Pelicans head coach Monty Williams certainly will be considered someone who helped fan the flames tonight.
As ESPN.com reporter Tom Haberstroh reported from the Pelicans morning shootaround today,
“I’m not so sure the decibel level is legal, and I’m serious,” Williams said. “They’ve done studies on that. For the competition committee, there’s got to be something to that. It does get a little out of hand. Their fans, I’ve talked about it for years, they have some of the best fans in the league.”
Williams later expanded on his comments, saying that he meant it as a compliment.
Rest assured, Oracle will thank him by making him partially deaf after tonight.
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