While writing this article, I’m also trying to watch the Warriors play game 7 versus the Cleveland Cavaliers. I’m sitting with the rest of my family, who are not taking this challenging game so well and are continuing to yell and scream at the TV as if they can have some effect. The Warriors, as I can tell so far, are not doing so hot but also not giving up. I watched the Finals last year, and definitely had a thrill out of it. However, I’ve realized that the Warriors games, and sports games in general, bring on just as much stress as they do happiness.
With technology these days, excitement can be even more hyped up. Every day, more and more people will post about one game or another or the outcomes of a team. Whether it’s the Sharks in the hockey finals or the Warriors in the basketball finals, there is always some sports team to talk about and praise. I may not be a true basketball fan, meaning I’m not always 100 percent involved or caught up with what’s next, but I can tell, even from a short distance, the amount of energy and intensity some of these games entail. The spirit of sports is incredible, and it has the capability of bringing people together from all walks of life. Specifically the Warriors, because I am from the Bay Area, affect all the surrounding areas and more and a vast majority of people all together. I’ve been to a game at the Oracle arena, and I can tell you from experience, how amazing and enthusiastic of a feeling that the team creates.
However, the one thing people also forget is the tension and anxiety sports games induce. With all the spirit and hope people gain through local sports teams, also comes the possibility of failure and disgrace. The game I went to last year was definitely more exciting based on the fact that the Warriors came out ahead. I learned that spirit mostly comes with faith and belief. When a team creates spirit, it’s because they are creating good outcomes. When a team loses, people often feel very let down and upset. When the Warriors aren’t doing so well, people get angry as if the Warriors personally let them down, when, in reality, all they did was play and lost. Tonight, I can see and hear my parents feel this type of impatience and anxiety about the game. It’s almost uncomfortable and unnecessary how much pressure and anxiety goes into watching a sports game. While the enthusiasm is, of course, an amazing quality, teams like this encourage. It’s also easy to forget the flip side, where people forget that it's just a game and not a tragedy.
On top of that, I could also argue that this enthusiasm puts intense pressure on the players that they shouldn’t have to deal with, yet it's clear this is the reason they are getting paid millions. Therefore, it makes some sense why people get so involved in games like this one. The dedication people have to their teams are real and continue to grow as the teams get better, which means the industry will grow, as well. Teams always want to win to support their community and get a paycheck. The Warriors definitely bring enthusiasm throughout the Bay Area when they win, and while the players get to be proud of their accomplishments, the community is very proud, as well.
The spirit of teams always boost the cohesiveness of the surrounding communities. Whether that’s in Cleveland or in San Francisco, sports bring people together. Even watching from afar, I still feel the enthusiasm and spirit the Bay Area has today. While sports teams are creating a sense of appreciation for the people, they can also bring a sense of sadness and dissatisfaction. Instead of yelling loudly at the TV and getting angry at the players themselves, it's important to make note that they are people, too, and can’t hold everyone’s happiness on their backs.
