Anybody who watches sports games knows how intense they can get, especially when it gets to the final game. As I write this, I am also currently watching game seven of the NBA Finals. This season has been a whirlwind of emotions and has resulted in some pretty amazing records, plays and games. From the Golden State Warriors's record-breaking 73 regular season game run to the Clevland Cavaliers becoming the first team to ever come back from a 3-1 deficit in the Finals, the 2016 season was certainly one to remember. There are so many things that happen as one sits back (read: sits on the edge of the seat) and watches Game 7 unfold.
1. Your heart is constantly racing.
I don't think there is a single moment, except maybe during commercials, where your heartbeat is steady. There is always so much happening that your heart has to try and keep up with. It's practically cardio, right?
2. You know that things can go from great to horrible in seconds.
One minute your team is up by 15 points and the next is trailing by 10. It is truly amazing how fast things can change. Need to go to the bathroom? You better hold it until commercials or risk seeing your team make an epic comeback or a critical mistake.
3. You can't help but smile when a player on the other team misses.
There's always that slightly cynical, sly grin that someone makes when a player on the opposing team misses a shot. It's even better when it's an easy shot that everyone was expecting the player to make.
4. There's a lot of clapping going on.
What do you do when a player makes a shot? You clap. What do you do when a player gets the rebound? You clap. What about when the player makes a free throw? You clap. Any time that something good happens, chances are you're going to hear some clapping going on.
5. You yell... a lot.
Is it really a basketball game unless there is yelling about a bad call or play? No. Only a true fan will yell at the screen and risk losing their voice and sanity over it.
6. The last five minutes are the absolute worst.
Throughout the entire game, things could be tense and unpredictable. However, nothing is as critical and heart-stopping as the last few minutes of the game. Every second counts and it can all change in the blink of an eye.
7. You just want it to be over with.
There comes a point in the game where you just want somebody to win and get it done. By the end of the third quarter, I'm not sure how much more my heart can take.
8. Free throws can make or break the game.
With seconds left in the game, LeBron James knew that he needed to make at least one of his final free throws in order to seal the deal. A couple free throws here and there really start to add up and can make a big difference in the end.
9. You wish you were there.
Nothing ever beats being there in person to witness the magic happen. There's nothing quite like being in the arena to chant "DEFENSE" along with the rest of the energetic crowd.
10. You question the referees' calls.
There have been a lot of questions surrounding some of the referees' calls throughout the Finals. Some, like Ayesha Curry, have been very vocal about the referees. While I don't think the game is rigged, there have been a few questionable calls that have me asking where the ref's eyes are because they're clearly not on the game.
11. You either leave crying or smiling like an idiot.
Or possibly both. If you're a Warriors fan like me, then you might be shedding a tear or two, locking yourself away in your room and warning people not to talk to you about the game for at least a couple of days. If you're a Cavs fan, then you're probably grinning from ear to ear ready to rub it in everyone's faces.
12. No matter what, though, you'll be happy for the winner.
Even though the Warriors lost, I congratulate the Cavs. They played a good game and made one heck of a comeback. While I'm sad and disappointed (and a little angry) that Golden State didn't win, I'm not going to not give credit where it's due. That doesn't mean, though, I won't still bash the Cavs because I totally will. #Warriorsfanforlife
