For the last 47 NBA season, Oracle Arena has been the home of the Golden State Warriors. Tonight the Warriors, the NBA, faculty and fans say goodbye to Oracle, and potentially the NBA season. Regardless of the outcome of Game 6, there will be tears flowing from the eyes of the crowd. Wether they are tears of joy or tears of pain, will be up to the play of their Warriors, but nonetheless it will be an emotional goodbye to a historic NBA building.
History of Oracle
Oracle has been home of many NBA Greats like the current Warriors dynasty featuring Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Kevin Durant, and Draymond Green. But it would be foolish to forget the past greats that graced the Oracle hardwood as a Warrior such as Chris Mullin, Tim Hardaway, Chris Webber, and the entire “We Believe” team featuring Baron Davis and Stephon Jackson in 2007
Oracle has hosted 5 straight NBA Finals, 7 in total. Some of the greatest NBA plays and moments have taken place on the hardwood at Oracle, so let’s get into them.
Memorable Moments At Oracle
Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals
Sorry Warriors fans but when we talk iconic moments that took place in Oracle, the first one that comes to mind is not Warrior friendly.
“Iguodala to Curry back to Iguodala for the layup oh blocked by James!”- Mike Breen’s iconic call
That was then followed up with Kyrie Irving’s clutch go ahead three point shot over Steph Curry.
The Cavs comeback from down 3-1 against a 73 win Warriors team, to capture the first title in Cavs history.
Single Season Record 73 Wins
On the final day of the 2016 regular season, the Golden State Warriors defeat the Memphis Grizzlies to win their 73rd game, breaking the previous single season record held by the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls.
Baron Davis Posterizes AK47 in the 2007 NBA Playoffs
There is not much to say about this play other than DAMN!!! Baron Davis, point guard of the “We Believe” Warriors of 2007, meets Utah Jazz Forward Andre Kirilenko at the rim and throws down one of the most impressive in game dunks you will ever see.
2000 NBA Dunk Contest
People never really remember where the dunk contest takes place, that’s just not a thing kept in peoples memory bank, however Oracle was the host of arguably the best dunk contest of all time (Yes I’m aware of Jordan and Dominique in ’87) Vince Carter put on a jaw dropping, flawless performance for the Oracle crowd. A performance we still are in awe of a decade later.
Klay Thompson’s 37 point 3rd Quarter: 52 point Game
Back in 2015, Klay Thompson showed us he can catch fire like no other. Klay dropped 52 points in a regular season game at Oracle against the Sacramento Kings, including 37 points in the 3rd quarter. That set the single quarter scoring record previously held by George the ‘IceMan’ Gervin who once dropped 33 in a quarter.
2017 NBA Finals Game 5 Win
After blowing a 3-1 lead in the 2016 NBA Finals, the Golden State Warriors redeemed theirselves by defeating the Cleveland Cavs in 5 games, and closing it out on their home court in Oracle.
Final Regular Season Game at Oracle
April 7th, 2019 Oracle hosted its final regular season game. The final score was 131-104 as the Warriors defeated the Los Angeles Clippers. The team raised a banner honoring their 47 years in Oracle, while dawning the “We Believe” jerseys to honor the 2007 team.
Regardless of the Game 6 outcome tonight, Oracle Arena will sure be missed and remembered greatly. The Warriors will look to continue their success and create new memories, just as great in their new arena 10 miles away in San Francisco.
