The old Boston Garden was said to harbor an invisible leprechaun who assisted the Celtics in mysterious ways.
Which I think is more likely than the crowd’s energy having anything to do with the home team’s performance.
Personally, I think basketball games should do without those people. Two teams, a crew of officials, game staff, media who don’t ask trite questions.
The Golden State Valkyries won their third straight at home, 88-77 vs. Indiana on Thursday. In coach Natalie Nakase’s pregame conference, she said the team was eager to resume playing at the Chase Center, where the sellout crowds serve as a 13th man.
I think that’s bonkers. Homecourt advantage is sleeping in your own bed, and keeping out of an airplane. The people in the seats are of no consequence.
On the other hand, Golden State was down by 4 going into the fourth quarter, but outscored Indiana 33-18 while the crowd grew increasingly crazy. Though perhaps there might’ve been a leprechaun at work with 5:03 left, and Golden State leading 69-65. Conference player of the week Kayla Thornton missed two free throws, but Chloe Bibby (12 points, and +25 in her WNBA debut) fought for the offensive rebound, passed back out to Thornton behind the 3-point line. Miss two free throws, sink the 26-footer.
The Valkyries are 6-6. I’m starting to believe they’re more than a first-year expansion team.