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"The long-range triple from Roy at the top of the arc missed again. Biedrins grabbed the rebound, and the Trail Blazers fouled immediately. With only 20 seconds left and a 10-point deficit against the Warriors, the game was essentially over... Congratulations to the Warriors, who bounced back quickly after their loss to the Celtics! This young team has yet to endure a losing streak this season!" Jim Barnett, the Warriors' long-time commentator, declared passionately at the Oracle Arena.
The commentator, who had been working with the Warriors for 24 years, looked at the court with an unmistakable joy in his eyes.
He had witnessed the "Run-TMC" era when the Warriors were world-famous in the early '90s, and he endured the team's 12 consecutive years of lottery heartbreaks. The infamous Nelson-Webber fallout, Sprewell's choking scandal with Carlesimo, and the miracle of defeating the Mavericks—all were seared into his memory.
Jim Barnett had seen the highs and lows, the triumphs and the downfalls of the Warriors. He had poured his heart into this team, prepared even for the possibility of it sinking further.
If you asked him when the Warriors would win a championship, he would shake his head and say, "I don't know."
But ask if the Warriors could win 30 games in a season? He would confidently reply, "Of course! We're not that bad."
Only Barnett knew how bittersweet those words felt. While it was true that the Warriors had never finished dead last, they were far from a good team, perpetually stuck in the lottery.
But this season was different. This time, Barnett dared to tell anyone, "The Warriors will make the playoffs!"
He'd seen strong teams before, but he also knew what weak teams looked like. These Warriors, youthful and vibrant, bore none of the lifelessness of years past.
A young coach, a young core, young role players... Jim Barnett could see a new future for the Warriors and had never been so confident in his team.
As the game ended with a Warriors victory, 108–98, Barnett wrapped up his broadcast. "Thank you for tuning in tonight. I'm your old friend Jim Barnett, wishing you all a good night. The Warriors will face the Lakers at home next on November 28th. Be sure to watch!"
When the broadcast's red light went off, he expertly delivered his customary closing remarks with a cheerful tone, officially ending the game.
The Warriors had now won all five of their home games. Last season, it took 31 games at Oracle to win five. For Bay Area fans who had endured years of disappointment, this was a long-awaited reward.
This time, perseverance paid off. Curry led the Warriors with 26 points, 8 assists, and 6 rebounds, securing a home win and snapping the losing streak.
Trail Blazers' All-Star guard Brandon Roy, a second-team All-NBA selection last season, performed admirably, with 24 points and 11 assists. But it wasn't enough.
Meanwhile, the Warriors saw five players score in double digits: Butler (12), Azubuike (15), Biedrins (13 points and 11 rebounds), and Lowry (10 points and 5 assists).
Greg Oden, the Blazers' former No. 1 pick who once overshadowed Kevin Durant, managed 16 efficient points in 24 minutes but looked sluggish on defense. His struggles were a reminder of the Blazers' missed opportunities.
Watching Oden from across the court, Liam Gonzalez couldn't help but marvel at time's merciless effects. The potential Oden once had was undeniable, yet circumstances had reduced him to what many now saw as a liability.
Liam shook hands with Blazers coach McMillan after the game and returned to the locker room before heading to the press conference with Curry.
When he arrived at the media room, his gaze fell on a familiar figure in the front row: Nero, smiling at him. Liam nodded in acknowledgment and sat down.
After the formal questions, Liam gestured for the Warriors' PR officer to let Nero ask her question.
Standing up gracefully, Nero asked, "With this win, the Warriors are now fourth in the Western Conference at 8-4. Do you think the team can maintain this standing for the rest of the season?"
Liam smiled. "I can't make guarantees. There are many strong teams in the West. Our goal is simply to make the playoffs, and we're aiming for the eighth seed. Anything beyond that is a bonus."
The postgame press conference, not heavily attended since the game wasn't nationally televised, wrapped up quickly.
As Liam left Oracle Arena, his phone buzzed with a text:
"Coach, are you tired after the game? How about grabbing a midnight snack?"
Surprised, Liam hesitated before replying:
"Sure. I'll meet you in the parking lot."
Moments later, Nero pulled up in her slightly worn Beetle. Rolling down the window, she greeted him with a bright smile. "Hop in, Coach."
Clad in a sharp journalist's suit and light makeup, Nero radiated professionalism and charm.
As Liam settled into the passenger seat, he asked, "Nero, I didn't expect to see you at Oracle tonight. Aren't you beyond field reporting now?"
With a sly smile, Nero responded, "I'm changing jobs."
"Changing jobs?" Liam echoed, surprised.
"Yes," Nero said. "I've left the San Francisco Chronicle for ESPN. I'm now the Warriors' beat reporter."
"ESPN? That's a big move. Congratulations, Nero," Liam said sincerely.
"Thanks, Coach," she replied. "I wouldn't be here without your help. Don't worry—I'll make sure my coverage aligns with the team's best interests."
The two ended up at a Chinese restaurant, sharing wontons and dumplings.
Over the meal, Nero asked with a hint of curiosity, "Coach, why did you trust me with such critical news back then? I was just an intern—what if I'd mishandled it?"
Liam chuckled. "I knew from the start you weren't that kind of person."
Touched, Nero smiled shyly and admitted, "Actually, I didn't delete all the photos I took back then. If you hadn't given me those exclusive scoops, I might've exposed your dealings with Chris Cohan."
Liam paused, then laughed. "Then I owe you even more. Without Curry, the Warriors wouldn't be where they are now."
As their conversation deepened, Nero revealed her excitement about her new role, which would allow her to follow the Warriors on the road.
"Don't worry, Coach. I'll make sure to write favorably about the team," Nero promised with a sweet smile.
Liam raised his glass. "Here's to a successful partnership."
End of this chapter
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