In fitting fashion, Draymond Green isn’t supporting silence.
On Sunday afternoon, the New York Knicks game-ops shelved in-game entertainment, such as video, promotions, and contests in favor of atmosphere. In theory, it was a wonderful idea. For the first half, it was nothing but basketball at “its purest form.”
MSG is going old school and playing no music, video or in-game entertainment for the first half. This is what it sounds and looks like: pic.twitter.com/PxYJp1CpIt
— Ohm Youngmisuk (@NotoriousOHM) March 5, 2017
However, no in-game sound didn’t sit well with Warriors and Knicks players.
Calling the silence “pathetic,” Warriors forward Draymond Green admitted to being thrown off by the change. Via ESPN:
“That was pathetic,” Green told ESPN after his team’s 112-105 win. “It was ridiculous. It changed the flow of the game. It changed everything. You get used to playing a certain way. It completely changed it.
Hyperbolically, Green called the lack of music “complete disrespect,” making a hilarious analogy about computers.
[It] gives the game a great vibe. That’s complete disrespect. You advance things in the world to make it better. You don’t go back to what was bad. It’s like, computers can do anything for us. It’s like going back to paper. Why would you do that? So it was ridiculous.”
Green is no stranger to being outspoken but wasn’t the only player critical of the decision.
Steph Curry told ESPN the silence reminded him of “middle school.” Warriors coach Steve Kerr agreed with his MVP point guard the sudden change was “weird.”
Furthermore, even some Knicks didn’t enjoy the change. Kristaps Porzingis flat out told ESPN “I didn’t like it.” Meanwhile, Courtney Lee said the music created energy that kept the crowd more involved.
Alas, the Knicks experiment drew negative reviews. In my opinion, I appreciate the change – even as a failed attempt. But, I totally understand how it could be jarring for players and coaches alike.
[ESPN]
