No-fans-at-NBA-games is missing many things, mostly EXHILARATION

It's all about intensity and motivation. When the infamous Larry Bird-versus-Julius Erving duel took place in the Garden, the immediate aftermath saw the Boston faithful start the chant for their hero. "Laaaarrrryyy, Laaaarrrryyy". I was there, and it was deafening - exciting - exhilarating. Yes, that's the word - EXHILARATING. Animated, elated, thrilling.

That is what is missing. That exhilaration is good for the fans, the players - and even the TV watchers at home. In-person viewing of most events just doesn't compare with watching a television set many miles away from the action. My belief is that most NBA players prefer performing in an arena with capacity crowds. The Lakers Lebron James certainly does:

“I definitely love playing in front of the fans. The fans are what make the game,” James said. “Without the fans, I wouldn’t be who I am today. To all the fans out there that come watch me play, I miss you guys and hopefully someday I can get back to that interaction."

But maybe no player loved the live crowd like Bird. He played FOR them. He played TO them. I would have loved to be there when Bird's head hit the floor in a playoff game against the Indiana Pacers. He hit so hard, I had him gone from the game - and possibly to the hospital. Nope. Even on TV, the roar when he came out of the runway and took the court again was - yes - EXHILARATING.

Adam Silver did a superb job moving NBA play into the bubble, but COVID needs to calm down - for many reasons - but down the list is to get fans back into the arenas. We need that. Always have!

https://nba.nbcsports.com/2020/08/10/lebron-james-admits-hes-still-adjusting-to-playing-without-fans/

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