After months of arguments, struggles, and suspense, the basketball season has officially been saved, to the great pleasure of fans and tourists, who could now attend at least one among hundreds of games. Basketball is an integral part of the American culture, and the National Basketball Association is not only a goal for American kids who dream of becoming a professional player, but it also is a symbolic image for people abroad.
I used to be on the basketball team when I was in high school, and even though my coach had never been to the U.S., he was a big fan of the N.B.A. It’s actually more than just a sports association; it represents toughness and success.
By attending a real game, between the New York Knicks and the Phoenix Suns, I was going to discover firsthand a new side of the N.B.A. To avoid missing any part of the game, I was among the first to get inside Madison Square Garden. The stadium was still empty, and I could really experience the hugeness of the building. It was so intimidating, with the stands all around the little square in the middle.
As the start of the game approached, the arena was almost full. People came in large numbers to support their team: the Knicks, of course. Only a few were really there to support the Suns, unless they were just trying to be discrete among the Knicks crowd.
Even before the official start of the game, the show started. I am not exaggerating; it was really entertaining. There’s barely feel any down time, whether the players were on the floor or not. While we waited, loud music, both current and classic, was booming out of the loud speakers making our bodies shake.
Then, the big screens broadcasted videos of some Knicks players. It was kind of hard to believe having the chance to be part of this spectacular evening. Therefore, as a proof, people gave their best smiles (they didn’t need to fake it) for their cameras to preserve the moment. This day will not only be in their minds, but also in a beautiful frame!
Then, the time came. Both teams made their entrance with the crowd cheering (or jeering) them on. After a quick presentation of the Suns, the cheerleaders came out to welcome the Knicks. From there, everybody became part of the game; it was amazing. The philosophy of the game was clear and apparent everywhere: “You, Us, We, Now!” The game was not between two teams of just five players.
Actually, everyone present was part of it. Despite the noise, you could hear the sound of the dribbles, and the resonance of the players’ sneakers in contact with the shiny floor. This effect made you feel like you were running with them. To help the players during the game, the supporters became their coach at times, yelling when it was appropriate: either “Defense, defense, defense!” or “Charge, charge, charge!” Hearing this mass expression with one strong and deep voice was inspirational. How can the players not be affected!
After every break, while the players were resting, the audience stayed active. We could either get involved in different games where you could win up to $1000, or recharge our batteries by going to one of the food stands.
It was a real show “à l’américaine”, certainly the king of entertainment! The workers at the entrance were nice and helpful, the players generous and energetic, and Madison Square Garden majestic.
What else can I add? I had to make a list of adjectives to avoid forgetting any single aspect of the event. The game, itself, was truly a real show: amazing, incredible, breathless, exciting, bewitching, entertaining, and, of course, unique!
By Kenza Yahrfouri
