Felicia Chats with Eddrick on Viewpoint Radio!

Felicia recently appeared on Viewpoint Radio hosted by Eddrick Osborne. She discussed the Warrior's season to date, Curry's MVP chances, and recaps the thrilling celebration of the '74-'75 championship team. Listen here:

Player and Fan reminisce about '74 Championship

Vid by D. Guingona


By Felicia D. Purcell

While most of my memories are vague of the excitement in and around Oakland after the Golden State Warriors won their 1974-1975 NBA Championship, there are a few things I do recall and that would be that the most popular player, Rick Barry and my cousin George Johnson shot under handed while at the free throw.

My first memories of the Warriors is keeping score in the back seat of our Impala for my beloved daddy as he drove. The legendary Bill King would be blaring, painting a vivid picture of each play; I felt as though I was in the arena but I took more pleasure in hearing my dad's reaction when I'd tell him the Warriors were ahead. However, my most momentous memory would be meeting George for the first time.

The back-up center to Clifford Ray, I would watch George on our small black and white t.v. in the living room of our E. Oakland home approximately 10-blocks from ORACLE Arena. My mom would gently point at the t.v. and say, "That's your cousin," whenever my dad had the game on. I don't recall my initial reaction but what I do recall is thinking wow, he's a tall handsome man with a cool mustache, huge biceps and a large Afro.

When my parents told me I would attending a party at our cousin Gloria's for George in honor of the Warriors winning the NBA Championship I was so happy; not only would I get the chance to stay up late I'd also get to meet that tall handsome man accompanied by his cool mustache, huge biceps and large Afro.

Earth, Wind & Fire's 'Get Away' was blaring through the dark room and everyone was dancing as I stood with my parents watching the love fest, all for George. I particularly remember my younger cousin Chris, Gloria's son, bopping up and down and playing air Congo drums as his small body swung side-to-side.

"Say hello to your cousin," my mother said proudly, a broad smile on her face. Partly afraid of this 6"11-foot monstrosity, it had to be o.k., after all my mom said so and my 5"6 superhero dad was standing there watching.

George picked me up and there I went, ascending into the air like a roller coaster chugging towards its peak. It all went in slow motion and my stomach tickled as I went Up...Up...UP, still a little apprehensive but excitedly awaiting to reach the top. "Hi little cousin," said the handsome man with the cool mustache, huge biceps and large Afro. Over the loud music and through my shyness I managed to mouth a 'hello.' Hey wait, am I heading down already, Before I reached ground level I felt a kiss grace my cheek. The gentle giant just kissed me on my right cheek! A typical kid I was embarrassed and happy at the same time. As soon as I felt my feet touch the floor I bolted to a corner and watched him the remainder of the evening, periodically touching my cheek.

My Cousin George and I.
Photo by Z'ma Wyatt

On the ride home I looked into the darkness watching the shadows of trees pass by thinking I couldn't wait to tell my classmates the next day about my night.

The next morning my mother summoned me to wash my face and that's when all hell broke loose. "Felicia, go wash your face," she said. I protested, telling her I couldn't wash off his kiss so I began washing my left cheek. My mother gave me that look before the whooping. "Honey, that is your cousin, you have to wash your face!" When you're seven that's irrelevant, I thought that washing off his kiss would somehow wash away the moment.

When I saw George recently I was finally brave enough to share my story and he gave a heartfelt chuckle.

As the team celebrated the 40th anniversary of their championship George and his teammates fondly reminisced with the media about days gone past. They laughed and got misty reliving their exploits and comical stories.

While I would never experience the path they traveled during that Cinderella year, I do have a wonderful memory of my own that I will never tire of telling, just like them.

Follow us @sportsinthebay_

Team Celebrates 40th year of NBA Championship

Head coach Alvin Attles, Clifford Ray, Jeff Mullins, Charles Johnson, Rick Barry, George Johnson, Jamaal Wilkes, Butch Beard and Assistant Coach Joe Roberts pose with their 74-75 championship trophy. Photos by Z'ma Wyatt

F.D. Purcell

The banners that hang high in the raptors of ORACLE Arena for the players, teams and coach who've made contributions during their Philadelphia years and since their relocation to the Bay Area in 1962.

May 25th will mark 40-years since Golden State won their last NBA Championship. Comprised of a deep bench and players led by Hall of Famers such as Rick Barry and Jamaal Wilkes the Warriors finished with a 48-34 record finishing 1st in the Pacific Division.

"It was a fantasy year, said Barry the MVP of Game 4, we never quit and we never gave up. We were the deepest team in the NBA, a Cinderella team."

He's correct, the Warriors weren't the favorite to win and certainly weren't expected to sweep the then Washington Bullets in Washington especially after Bullets forward Mike Riordan attempted to get into the head of star player Rick Barry in the final game but instead it would be head coach Alvin Attles who would be ejected in the first quarter for standing up for Barry. Golden State scrapped their way to a 96-95 victory, their first and last championship since that date.

Game 4 MVP and HOF Rick Barry.

Fast-forward 40-years later, a little more gray and some no longer with us a handful of those team members graced ORACLE Arena with their presence and it was as though they hadn't missed a beat. Butch Beard, George Johnson, Rick Barry, Clifford Ray, Jeff Mullins, assistant coach Joe Roberts, Jamaal Wilkes and head coach Alvin Attles were some of those present on Monday.

There were lots of laughs and Barry was in his usual dominate form taking over questions and choosing the longer route when answering questions and everyone else's; however, he also gave much deserved credit when it came to his former teammates and coaches.

The press room was packed as new media blended with old, times when you couldn't live tweet and watched the game on tape delay. Those in attendance sat on the edge of their seats marinating on every word from the championship team and each vivid detail from flying coach and the sometimes disgusting habits of teammates and legendary announcer Bill King. It was refreshing to hear an occasional expletive and raw honesty minus the direction of a spin doctor.

"I'm appreciative to the Warriors for bringing us all together. I'm excited to see everyone including the late Phil Smith's kids, said 1975 Rookie of the Year Jamaal Wilkes, then known as 'Keith'. It's very moving and touching."

A heartfelt ceremony was held before the 2nd quarter honoring the championship team and the sellout crowd of 15,595 gave a rousing standing ovation as former center Clifford Ray, known on the court as a menacing figure fought back tears.

Warriors head coach Steve Kerr chose not to discuss any plays during the timeout instead opting to allow his team to soak in the ceremony. Afterwards Kerr said how special it was to have the championship team speak with his guys after their 107-76 victory over the Wizards.

Center George Johnson shows his championship ring.

"It's just good encouragement for the mission that we're on this year. I think there is something special about it being their 40th anniversary of winning the championship, said center Marreese Speights who finished the game with 16 points. Having them all here gives us a visual of where we want to be. I think it's a good motivation for the last part of this regular season and then once we get to the playoffs."

Golden State will return for one game on Thursday, April 2nd versus the Phoenix Suns after a four-game road trip. They will head on the road again for a three game road trip that includes Dallas, San Antonio and New Orleans.

They will host their final four games at home: Portland, Minnesota, Memphis and finish their regular season versus the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday, April 15th.

Follow us @sportsinthebay_

Warriors set to honor 74-75 Championship team

Sports in the Bay

Heading back down memory lane the Golden State Warriors will be honoring the 40th anniversary of their 1974-1975 NBA championship team on Monday, March 23rd at ORACLE Arena. A select group of Warriors players from that team such as head coach Al Attles, Rick Barry, George Johnson and Clifford Ray will be available pregame to fans from 6:30-7:30 in Section 112 along with the championship trophy.

Footnote: Monday's game is versus the Washington Wizards the very team the Warriors team swept (then the Washington Bullets) in a best of seven series on May 25, 1974. It is also the only West Coast championship the team has won since moving from Philadelphia.


It was the first time two African American head coaches in any league have faced-off in Alvin Attles and K.C. Jones. Who would go on to win championships as the Boston Celtics head coach.

Follow us @sportsinthebay_

Ruby Lopez - More than just 'Hype"

By F.D. Purcell

March is Women's History Month and Sports in the Bay is showcasing Bay Area women who are front and center in the world of sports.

Since 2008 Ruby Lopez has been the 'ying' to Warriors in-house hype man Franco Fin's 'yang'. The Hayward native and San Francisco State graduate can be seen on the court pregame connecting with fans and throughout the stands during timeouts getting the ORACLE crowd hyped. Not only is Ruby a role model for young Latina girls but also women, proving you can still achieve your dreams and goals as a wife and mother. 

Vid by D. Guingona

Follow is @sportsinthebay_

On the Court Report - Post Game Versus ATL

Sports in the Bay

It was the best of the best, the East versus the West, the #1 in the league versus #2 in the league in a nationally televised game on ESPN. The Warriors proved why they were in fact 'Golden' putting a hurting on the Atlanta Hawks 114-95 at ORACLE Area.

Sports in the Bay's Felicia and Dave do a post game wrap-up.

Vid by D. Guingona

Follow us @sportsinthebay_

The Best in the West Answers The Test

First year coach Steve Kerr likes what he sees of his team.

Photos by F. Purcell

Sports in the Bay

The Golden State Warriors have been fighting for their right to be mentioned as one of the premier teams in the league since their playoff run began three seasons ago. The reasons ranged far and wide and some were valid; they're too small and in need of a big man, they live and die by the 3-pointer and they don't play defense.

On Wednesday the team with the best record in the league would silence all doubters in a nationally televised game versus the #2 team in the league and the best team in the Eastern Conference, the Atlanta Hawks a match-up that could be possible preview of the NBA Finals.

Atlanta playing without their premier shooter Kyle Korver (broken nose) and Golden State without their second best player Klay Thompson (who sustained an ankle injury Mondays versus the Lakers) Wednesdays game would be without the excuse that the other won without their respective players.

2x All-Star Stephen Curry sees a bright future for him and his G'State teammates

"We knew guys were going to have to step up and fill the slight that he (Klay) left. The ball was moving really well. The amount of assists we had kind of obviously reflects that, but everybody was being aggressive and taking any angles they could get and just trying to make plays," said Curry afterwards who finished with 16 points.

Curry, the commander of the ship got the chance to watch his teammates shine. Harrison Barnes lead the scorers with 25-points, Andre Iguodala wasn't far behind with 21 solidifying their #1 status finishing the game 114-95.

"I want to keep getting better said head coach Steve Kerr afterwards. I don't worry about anything but staying healthy."


FUN FACTS:

It was the 10th consecutive home win for the Warriors who are now 31-2 at home. They haven't had multiple home win streaks of at least 10 since 1975-1976.

Golden States next home victory will tie the franchise's second-most home wins ever (club record is 36 set in 1975-1976).

It was also their 115th straight sell-out of the season to a fan base with a season-ticket waiting list of over 10,000 strong proving not only they are the best in the West but have the best fans in all of the league.

On the Court: NFL Coach visits Warriors, wishes guard a Happy Birthday

Carolina Panthers coach Ron Rivera happened to be in the Bay Area for a function for his alma mater Berkeley this past weekend and he stopped by ORACLE to wish Warriors guard Steph Curry a happy 27th birthday and present him with a personalized Panthers jersey.

Vid by D. Guingona

On the Court: Warriors/Pistons Post game

Golden State wins their 8th straight win over the Pistons. Felicia and Dave talk post game.

Vid by D. Guingona

Follow us @sportsinthebay_

'Nothing But Nets' Scores with Curry

Golden State Warriors guard lends his voice to grassroots program and visits the White House.

           Fans pose with Stephen Curry and Bryant Barr after Nothing But Nets Chalk Talk
                                                           Photo by F.D. Purcell

by F.D. Purcell
Sports in the Bay

Stephen Curry is known for his skilled moves, slashing in and around the net, however the two-time all-star is scoring with nets of another caliber.

A net can make or break a game, in this case it can save a families life. Nothing But Nets, a grassroots global organization raises awareness, nets and funding for the fight against Malaria, a deadly disease caused by a female mosquito bite. For every $10 donated, a bed net is purchased and essentially a life is saved. To date, the nets have saved 4.3 million families lives.

Curry became involved with the organization at the suggestion of his college teammate and friend Bryant Barr several years ago.
                                                                     


Fans recently participated in post-game chalk talk and Q & A led by Warriors color commentator Jim Barnett that included Curry, Barr and Chris Helfrich, the Director of Nothing But Nets.

"This is not just about protecting Malaria," said Helfrich who's passion for philanthrophy came from his parents, "It's offering hope for people around the world that feel forgotten."

During last months road trip to D.C. Curry had a chance to stop by the White House and speak about Malaria, which kills a child every 60 seconds.

Putting away his prepared notes, Curry opted instead to reflect and speak from his heart executing his words with the passion that he displays on the court.

According to Helfrich Curry's speech was 'every bit as good' as OKC's forward Kevin Durant's when he received last years MVP honors.

Here's our in-depth interview with Barr.

To help in the fight against Malaria visit Nothing But Nets at www.nothingbutnets.net.

Follow us @sportsinthebay_

WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH MOMENT - Juli Inkster

March is Women's History Month and in celebration of women who did it 'first' in the world of sports, Sports in the Bay is remembering trailblazers in the world of sports.

By F.D. Purcell

JULIE INKSTER - Los Altos, California

In December of 1990 Juli became the first woman to win the only professional golf tournament in the world, the Pro-Am at Pebble Beach which featured men and women head-to-head. The Bay Area resident finished one stroke ahead of her competitor.




Follow us @Sportinthebay_

On the Court - Warriors v. Bucks Postgame

Vid by Dave Guingona


OAKLAND, CA - Draymond Green celebrated his 25th birthday with a win on Wednesday win over the Milwaukee Bucks. 102-93. The third year player, who wears number 23 lead his team in scoring with 23 points for the Golden State Warriors bringing their record to 47-12, 4 1/2 games over the Memphis Grizzlies in the Western Conference Standings.

Sports in the Bay had a chance to speak with Oakland's own Jason Kidd, head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks and watching a future Hall of Famer in Stephen Curry as well as Greens reaction to Kerr's comparing his style of play to his former teammate Dennis Rodman.

The Warriors will host the Dallas Mavericks Friday and the L.A. Clippers Sunday.

Follow us on Twitter: @Sportsinthebay_

Warriors to Host 'Nothing But Nets' Day March 8th to Fight Malaria

Golden State Warriors All-Star and Malaria Ambassador Stephen Curry poses with his 3-point contest winning trophy during All-Star Weekend in NYC.

Sports in the Bay!

The Golden State Warriors will be hosting Nothing But Nets Day this Sunday, March 8th versus the L.A. Clippers at 12:30pm at ORACLE Arena.

There will be a post-game chalk talk with Warriors All-Star Stephen Curry with fans who purchased an additional special ticket for the event.

For the third consecutive year Curry is hosting his Three for Three Challenge and donating three life-saving bednets to Nothing But Nets for every three pointer he makes during the 2014-2015 season.

During the teams recent road trip Curry spoke at the White House about the dangers of Malaria.

The Warriors are matching Curry's donations, up to $5,000. Over the past two season Curry and the Warriors have donated nearly 2500 bednets to families in Africa affected by Malaria.

Prior to Sundays tip-off Union City resident Aniruddh Manalapu, a Nothing But Nets (nothingbutnets.net) Champion and a high school student who started a martial-arts inspired program called The Fight Against Malaria raising thousands for the fight.

Malaria kills a child every 60 seconds and is a disease caused by a single mosquito bite but it is preventable. Since 2006 Nothing But Nets has raised more than 56 million.

For more information about this special event visit www.warriors.com