So last night the Boston Celtics dominated and, quite frankly, embarrassed the Los Angeles Lakers. But it wasn't just the Celtics players who dominated their L.A. counterparts. The Boston fans put L.A. fans to shame. During the three games in L.A. the L.A. media criticized the fans for not being passonate or vocal enough. They sat on their hands in game 3 and then just watched the Lakers lose a 20 point lead in the second half without making hardly a noise. Even though I was rooting for the Celtics I didnt want to believe it. LA fans have always gotten that wrap. They aren't passionate enough. They show up late and leave early. They go to the game to be seen, not to watch the game. The last crisiticism is especially directed at Laker fans and many believe it is the reason for the blackout policy at the Staples center. The lights on the crowd are darkened during games in order to discourage fans from texting and using their cell phones.
Well I didnt want to believe it. But when you compare the crowd from last night in Boston to any L.A. fans during that three game stretch, well, thee simply is no comparison. Boston fans are better. First, more Boston fans were dressed in the home teams gear. Second, the Boston fans were in the game the ENTIRE time. Rising to their feet, chanting "defense", "MVP", and "Beat LA". But those things are routine. Any fans can do that. LA fans chant "MVP" for Kobe. they call out "defense" and they respond to "Beat LA" with "Boston Sucks". What seperates Boston, and most other fans, from LA fans (note I am not just talking about the Laker fans) is creativity.
I dont think I have heard a creative chant at an LA sporting event since... well... errr... ever! Seriously. I cant think of one. On the other hand Other fans know how to get under the skin of opposing fans and players - but in a cool and creative way. For example, Last night late in the 3rd quarter Kobe went to the foul line. Spontaneously the crowd at the Garden erupted in a "Your Not Jordan" chant. Pure genuis. I couldnt believe it. What a great way to get into the guys head. Was it a crude chant? No. Was it rude. Not really. It was just a clever way of reminding Kobe that he is not Michael Jordan (as if being down 30 points wasnt reminder enough). Think that was enough? Nope. At the start of the fourth quarter Kobe sat on the bench. Guess who noticed? Boston fans. "Where is Kobe"? The asked in unision filling the arena with their noise. It was nuts. The line works on two levels. First it is a taunting gesture, "where is Kobe I thought he was a competitor - why is he not playing?" wink wink nudge nudge. On the flip side it was a clear insult to Bryant's very normal and average performance in the Finals. "Where is Kobe"? Getting shut down by the Celtics D could have been a good answer.
Point being Boston fans, Chicago fans, New York fans they know how to get down and nasty in a very cerebral taunting way. LA fans - well we just chat "'Insert Name Here' sucks". Its true. Or some drunk a-hole will throw something. Those are the typical responses.
Its a shame it is. But it is the reputation LA fans have - and God knows we have earned it.
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