When I first moved to California, I used to think the Golden State Warriors were some college basketball team out of Sacramento. After all, Sacramento is the capitol of the “golden state.” I played point guard during sophomore year in high school, so you would think I’d know about the Warriors like I know the 49ers. I don’t. When I heard rumblings the Warriors were playing well this season, I thought I should probably pay attention. I jumped at the chance to watch a playoff game against the Grizzlies with my friends on a Saturday night. And there I sat on the couch, for MY first game.  A Warriors Fan was born.

I exposed my rookie status right away by sharing my limited Warriors facts.

“Ok. There is some guy that’s supposed to be really good. I saw it on facebook, ‘the man’ per the post. Or maybe it was ‘I love fill-in-the-blank.’ I can’t remember his name but I would recognize him.” I said.

My patient friends and faithful Warrior fans guessed it must be Steph Curry. As we watched, my friends pointed out Steph.

“That’s him! He’s the amazing one.” I said with excitement. This was before he got the MVP status that would make his name stand very tall in the shadows of five-time MVP, LeBron James. (I’ve learned a lot in the last two months.)

My Warrior fan behavior started off slow at first. I watched the first game against the Rockets by myself. For some reason nobody was at home but me. I took a selfie with the game on TV as a backdrop to impress my friends. With nobody to talk to, I had no choice but to listen to the announcers so I learned A LOT.

Just me and my Warriors

I found out stuff like three-pointers win the game and the top five teams in the play-offs have the highest number of three-pointers. I found out the Houston Rockets star player, James Harden, was not very excited that Steph beat him out for MVP of the NBA. He might have gotten more votes without the ugly beard. Isn’t he burning up with that bushy mess on his chin? Ick!

I’m getting to know the team a bit. Ezeli graduated at age 14 and almost became a doctor instead of a pro basketball player. I love IGGY. (Don’t I sound like a pro using his nickname?) He seems to hold it together in every game when everyone else is a nervous wreck. And doesn’t Steph Curry make a great dad? He’s never grumpy with his wriggly two-year-old Riley during interviews.

“Hey! Did you know Steph lives around here?” I asked my kids, showing the depth of my knowledge. Yes, they knew, specifically Orinda, one town over. What?!? It was true. I saw it on facebook: Photos of Steph with my friends’ kids. Then other friends told me they spotted him at Chow’s restaurant and walking at the reservoir. My eyes are PEELED! I hope I see him.  I’m playing over and over in my head just what to say, “Hi.” or “Great game.”  or after a bad game, “We love you no matter what!”

Of course I’m watching the championship series against the Cavs. I’m hooked, a real fan now.  Here are the signs:

• Near fainting spells when a dad friend told me he had a client dinner during Game 1. Hubby had the same commitment.  How on earth can anyone conduct business during a championship game?

Warrior Flip Flops

• I see Warrior logos and colors in everything…even my flip flops.  These have been in my closet for four years.  I’m not just saying that so hubby won’t think I was out shopping.

• The beginning of Game 1, I got cranky because I had to pause the game to pick up my swimmer at 6:30. I like to be in the moment, not a recording.

• Scouring the newspaper for anything Warriors vs. current news. I share my my new facts. “The Warriors statistically play better on the road,” I said to the cashier before Game 3. “Did you know LeBron and Steph were born in the same hospital three years apart?” I ask my family.   I’m becoming such an expert.

• Posting my first facebook status when the Warriors went into overtime for Game 2. “Holy Momy. Ahhh.” It should have been “Holy Moly…” Why doesn’t autocorrect work when you want it too? I got a couple of likes.  I’m gaining cred.

Inside my neighbor’s garage, ALONE. So close…I’d probably break a window.

• Warriors flag for my car, I want one. It’s not exactly my style but somehow I want one anyway. I really do. I drove around for an hour looking for a “last minute fan stand.”  They were everywhere for the Giants and 49ers. I’d steal a flag off my neighbor’s car except she would know it was me; I asked her where she got hers. “A game,” she said. Do you know how many pairs of shoes I could buy for the price of a playoff ticket?

PROOF!

• A Warriors t-shirt is a good compromise if I can’t have a flag.  I never buy a team shirt unless there is a party. That’s the sign of a TRUE FAN. That’s ME.