Game seven, two minutes left in overtime, who will win the championship? You've watched your favorite team since you were little in the playoffs. There is a range of emotions that come with every game you watch. It is a never ending cycle of feelings starting from game one. You watch every quarter like it is your last. So here are some emotions that you go through each and every game during the playoffs.
1. Apprehension.
You sit down on the couch watching the team warm up. You wait in trepidation for tip off. One minute until game time. Your team needs to win this one game to advance. You hope that they can pull off the win. Your heart beats as the referees throw up the ball, the game has started.
2. Excitement.
Your team wins the tip off and scores the first point. You're feeling confident that the players showed up to play. You have your jersey on, cheering on every possession. You are about to jump out of your pants from excitement. You watch in awe, wanting a win.
3. Frustration.
Right when you're feeling confident, you turn back, and they are down by 10. Somehow your favorite player can't make a shot tonight. Turnover after turnover. You wonder why they are getting paid millions if they can't make a free throw. You have to walk away from the TV before you rip out your hair.
4. Impatience.
During half time, it is the longest 15 minutes of your life. You watch the games highlights and listen to the announcers talk. You just can't wait to watch your team come back out and dominate. Many people like taking a break to get a snack during half-time, but for die-hards it's a waiting game. The clock tests every bit of your patience.
5. Surprise/Amazement.
There are always some amazing plays during these games. There are some incredible dunks and alley-oops. Right at the end of the game, your favorite player scores a last minute shot to tie the scores. Right when you lose all hope, they surprise you.
6. Nervousness.
You bit your nails to the nub watching the last quarter of the game. It is back and forth. The score is only within a few points, it could be anybody's game. One team scores, then the other returns the favor. The score is tied with 10 seconds left. You're wondering if your team can make the shot.
7. Defeat.
Depending if your team wins or loses will determine the next two emotions. When your team loses, you feel like you played the whole game by yourself. You gave the team your all, yet they repay you by losing. You let your head hang low until the next game in hopes they can win.
8. Accomplished.
If your team wins, you feel as if you scored a winning shot. Losing your voice was worth it -- given your time and dedication is validated when they win. It is a euphoria that you can only get by watching your favorite team. You brag on every social media site and bask in their greatness.
9. Repeat.
No matter what the outcome, you come back every game to cheer for your team. Even if your team doesn't make it to the end, the playoffs are so exciting you still watch. You root for the lesser of two evils and wait until next year. If your team does make the playoffs, your life revolves around game times. Basketball never stops.
Good luck to everyone who has a team in the playoffs.