INSIGHT ON KNICKS VS CLIPPERS

 I am an hour early, 11:00 am, Madison Square Garden is full of Los Angeles Clippers fans, I am internally cringing. Not only do I dislike this team because of their obnoxiously rowdy fanbase but the coach is not my favorite. 

Being a die hard basketball fan like myself, I have certain coaches who I love and respect and there are other coaches who I don't really like, one of those coaches is LA Clipper head coach: Doc Rivers. A player needs guidance and the right mentor to not only motivate them on and off the court but they also need someone to manage their skills and use them efficiently. 

I smell two things as I walk through the not so magical and tight entrance of Madison Square Garden; beer and popcorn. It's not the best scent but its fitting for the environment. I got used to it quickly since I go to games almost every week now.
Many Los Angeles raised fans who moved to New York takeover the arena and I feel uncomfortable almost instantly as I see that my ENTIRE row is LA Clipper fanatics. Sitting near people who support the same team as you means you are going to have the best basketball game experience ever, you both will laugh, scream, and chant for the team you both love.

Picture from Los Angeles Daily News

It is "Noche Latina" at the game today, which is where the Knicks celebrate and commemorate all of their Latinx fans. My favorite Latin rapper Bryant Myers is blessing center court during halftime and performing his best songs. The loud screams that escape not only my lips but almost everyone in the arena. Seeing one of my favorite celebrities rapping on the court my favorite NBA team plays on was a moment I will never forget. I sing along with Bryant Myers with passion in my soul. I was standing on my seat raising my arms up and dancing to the rhythm of the music. As I look around I take the beautiful sight of other people doing the same thing as me. 

In that moment, it didn't matter what team you were rooting for, we were all bonding over Bryant Myers dominating the court...

But as soon as halftime was over- it was back to supporting the Knicks and yelling at the players as if they could hear me. People of all ages are in the arena passionate watching and yelling in support. Looking around I take in the fact that everyone watching intently has their own story. Some travel far to be here in this moment. 

The Knicks ended up losing, and I heard the screams from my entire row. Happiness written all over the Clippers fans face. I on the other hand was more than upset. Despite the not so great ending to the game, the special moment everyone experienced during halftime will forever replay in my head. 

Picture from Los Angeles Daily News

BASKETBALL AND JERSEYS

Jerseys and basketballs are an important part of the game and the experience of going to a basketball game. These objects have a deeper meaning to basketball fans like myself. Wearing a jersey is something I am proud of and playing basketball with my family and friends is a time where I feel like I am myself. Watching basketball players play a game on a big court like the Madison Square Garden arena is a breathtaking and special moment. It is amazing to see how a bouncy ball like a basketball has created so many opportunities for people all over the world.

Walking into Madison Square Garden is an overwhelming experience, especially during basketball games. There are security guards at every door, there are crazy fans pushing their way through, there are jerseys and New York Knicks attire adorning almost every attendee's body. 

This is probably my 87th time at the most famous arena- most of the times I am here is to watch basketball; both professional and college and for both games they have two things in common... basketballs and jerseys are everywhere. Oh, I mean everywhere. As I am walking towards the metal security checks, I look around and see the New York Knicks colors, blue and orange all over the place. The jerseys I notice people wearing is famous retired players; for example Ewing and Anthony. The atmosphere is thick, this is normal for me- the overwhelming amount of fans being crushed together in a small space. I can see the attempt of fans trying to form lines but that doesn't work out for them. The desperation in children's eyes to finally get through security and get to their seats does not go unnoticed. Random men looking around like lost puppies trying to find their friends before getting through the metal detectors. Couples holding on to each others hands tightly to avoid separation due to the pushing of fans that occurs. 

Picture taken from store.nba.com which is the official store to buy NBA jerseys 

New Yorkers wear their jerseys with pride- they are representing their state and the team they love by purchasing these jerseys. A jersey can cost up to $110! There are people wearing hats, and shirts, orange and blue face paint. It is all to show their support for the players. 

I admire NBA fans, they are strong and loyal. The Knicks are the last team in the Eastern Conference standings- they basically have been losing almost every game in the season- yet the fans at today's game were loud and proud, the arena is full of fans and even some celebrities showed their love for the game and the team by wearing Knicks jerseys and merchandise. 

Knicks jerseys are more than just an AMAZING fashion statement. They show loyalty, love and especially show pride. People who do not wear jerseys at the games are looked down at, they are the odd ones out and as a fan, they do not look as invested in the game. 

Basketballs are everywhere, obviously. There are basketballs in the gifts store, basketballs on display, signed basketballs by legends, basketballs people bring from home in hopes a player will sign it, and the holy grail of all basketballs, the Madison Square Garden basketball vault. 

The room is bright, basketballs lined up in different carts against the wall of the room. It is truly a magical sight, knowing that my favorite players of the National Basketball Association have once touched these basketballs. I take a look around and absorb my surroundings. It feels like I am the only one there. Basketball is something I am passionate about and getting the opportunity to see what goes on "backstage" is a moment I will never forget.

Once I make my way up the crowded concession stands, I walk up the narrow stairs to my seat and see the large court in front of me. Basketballs are being thrown everywhere, balls are being shot onto one hoop from all different directions and from different angles.