The Internal Battle of a Warriors Fan
When I was a freshman in college, I took an introductory psychology class. We learned the basic stuff, you know, degenerative brain disorders, operant conditioning, and the one thing that stood out to me – the Marshmallow Test.
For those that aren’t familiar with the Marshmallow Test, it is a test given to children to evaluate their ability to defer gratification. In the original study, four-year-old children were individually put into a room where a marshmallow was placed in front of them. They were told that they could eat it, but if they abstained from eating it for 15 minutes, they would be rewarded with a second marshmallow. In follow-up studies, the kids that were able to defer gratification were more likely to be successful in school and in adult life.
Warriors fans, of all ages, are being put through the marshmallow test. After last night’s 18-point blowout victory over the Utah Jazz, I saw a friend in the tunnel. I said to him, “Good game, huh?” But then I thought, “Wait, was it?”
That’s the internal battle that all Warriors fans deal with on a nightly basis. Fans, typically, want their teams to win at all costs. Winning is king and losing is never acceptable. When I watch games, I can’t help but want to see Stephen Curry and Monta Ellis play like they did last night. I couldn’t help but fist pump after every three-pointer that Dorell Wright hit against Miami. It’s natural.
However, I’ve also been beating the same dead horse for at least a year. That horse must look like Michael’s father from The Wire after Chris Partlow got to him. I’ve wanted the Warriors to tank, trade Monta for $.50 on the dollar, amnesty David Lee (Charlie Bell???), etc. In short, I’ve wanted the Warriors to deplete their talent level, except for Stephen Curry (although I’m not completely opposed to trading him, considering I would’ve moved him for Chris Paul in a heartbeat), so that they can land top-five picks and build through the draft – the only way the Warriors will get a franchise player and the only way the Warriors will have a chance to contend. Right now, the Warriors aren’t good enough to contend (aren’t even good to make the playoffs), and aren’t bad enough to land those top picks. It’s the worst possible position a team in the NBA can be in. As a rational, forward-thinking fan, tanking/blowing up the core is not only logical, but in my opinion, the only way to go.
As a fan in the moment, I want that instant gratification. David Lee’s gargantuan contract? Irrelevant. I just want to walk out of the arena with my head held high after beating a team like Miami or Chicago. I want to see Stephen Curry rain 3s and not commit careless turnovers and stupid fouls. I want to see Ekpe Udoh play volleyball with opposing players’ shots. I want Bob Fitzgerald to find an excuse to compare Monta Ellis to Michael Jordan (not really). I want that damn marshmallow.
But the goal is to win a title. Every win this season is a detriment to their future, especially because their 1st round pick in June’s draft is only top-7 protected. Before last night’s game, the Warriors had the 8th worst record in the league. Now, after last night’s win? 10th worst. When the Warriors miss the playoffs again, what will it matter if they won 32 games or 20 games? Lose now to win more later. Take a couple steps back to take a few huge steps forward. Defer gratification for a greater future reward.
I’m willing to sit through the losses this season, and the next…and the next for the greater good of the franchise. It may take longer than 15 minutes, but I’m willing to sacrifice for that extra marshmallow because that taste…that taste of victory and triumph when your team finally reaches the apex of its sport…it tastes so damn good.
http://www.bayareaball.com/teams/golden-state-warriors/the-internal-battle-of-a-warriors-fan/
