By Joecooler2u

Editor's Note: This is an NBA fan editorial, neither written nor edited by InsideHoops.com. Views are those of the fan, not this website. Enjoy.

I want to share my experience going to a recent game with those that have never been to a game.

I went to the Sixers/Jazz game on February the 28th and I want to share my experience going to the game. First off, after coming in front door I was greeted by former Sixers star World B. Free. I have met him before on previous games. I got his autograph on my Sixers hat and on a card he was giving out to people. I think World B. Free is a very nice guy, even though he gets paid for what he does, he earns every cent by being nice to the fans and greeting us with a smile. I was already feeling good about the game but this made me cheer up even more. I was tempted to go get some cheerleaders autographs but I already have about 20 of those so I thought I would leave them alone for the night.

Next up, I bought a Sixers program with Kenny Thomas on the cover. I don't have a clue as to why Kenny Thomas is on the cover but I shelled out the $5 anyway. I then went and bought a chocolate Yoohoo for $2. Two dollars! Can you believe that?

I then went and searched for my seat. I was in section 119 row 23 (MJ's number) seat 1. I saw an envelope on my seat. I won a prize if I filled out this form and handed it in so I did. I won a ticket to a Phantom's game. Whoop-D-Doo. Give me something I really want like cash or something Sixers related.

The women in the arena were hot tonight. If you are a fan of a bad team I suggest you go if you want to look at beautiful women instead. It's almost worth the price of admission alone. Anyway I am feeling good. My team has won 7 in a row and I sit in my seat a half hour before tip-off. I noticed something different. Leg room! I actually had a good 6 inches or so between my knees and the seat in front of me. This made me feel even better.

I watched the Sixers warm up. They were on a hot streak winning 7 in a row but that was mostly against bad teams and the highly overrated Nets. I began to worry as I looked over at Karl Malone and John Stockton, two hall of fame players. Guys who already won Olympic rings and been to the Finals twice. The last time these two teams played the Jazz it was no competition. The Jazz blew my team away with about 30 assists from the refs at the free throw line.

The crowd seemed a little more energized as they usually do towards the later half of the season. This is why I think the league should cut back the number of games in the season so that players and fans are actually excited to go to the game. Still, it was not like a playoff-off game. Almost, but not quite.

The first quarter started off and I was nervous. The game was back and forth and the Jazz seemed to be getting ALL the calls. I felt like screaming at the refs that this is Philly NOT Utah. The Sixers seemed to make all their shots and were only down by 4 points after one quarter. Not bad considering they did not shoot a free throw for the entire quarter.

The second quarter started off and the Sixers seemed determined to win, The Jazz called a time-out followed immediately by a 76ers timeout. I wondered what was up. Iverson was held on the bench and I later found out he had two fouls at the time. The Sixers came out on fire. 31-13 second quarter run by the 76ers who led 55-41 at half-time. I was impressed.

DC got most of his points in the first half and was going after the ball like a man possessed. I'm glad the man didn't get traded cause I see the value of a Derrick Coleman. He is the team's only enforcer and protector of AI on the court. Iverson was quiet only scoring about a dozen points, give or take a few, by half-time. Most of his points were on fast breaks and were exciting baskets.

Third quarter started and I was even more nervous. I remember a few years ago I was at a game where the 76ers had a big lead on the Raptors and came out of half-time flat. Aaron Mckie made a big shot to send the game into overtime but my team lost anyway. This is why I was nervous.

To prove my theory that the 76ers struggle in the 3rd quarter they came out and got 27 points but they also gave up 22 points. It was 82-63 after 3 quarters. Impressive, but I was still biting my nails. The Jazz are a good team and could make one of those 20 point comebacks.

The 4th quarter eased my fears as the Sixers held on and won the quarter, 22-20, and the game, 104-83, with mostly bench players and Aaron Mckie playing the rest of the way. I was happy my team won.

After the game, I hung around and enjoyed the scene. I find it better to wait to leave after a game because getting out of the parking lot is less life-threatening. Traffic is also amazingly better too the longer you wait. I looked up at the banners hanging in the FU Center: Moses Malone, DR J, Charles Barkley, Wilt Chamberlain, Mo Cheeks. I feel a sense of pride everytime I see those banners and the 82-83 championship banner sweeping the Lakers in 4 straight, along with the 2001 Eastern Conference Championship banner. One day my favorite player, in the game today, will have his number 3 retired up there with all those great one's. Hopefully it will come with more MVP trophies and a handful of championship banners. Retire now Shaq or I will step on your big toe! I mean it!


This is an NBA fan editorial, neither written nor edited by InsideHoops.com. Views are those of the writer.