OAKLAND - Following Sunday's loss to the Phoenix Suns, Warriors guard Klay Thompson urged the Oracle Arena crowd to be better, and lamented the lack of energy from the home fans.
Fewer than 24 hours later, Warriors coach Steve Kerr took a more diplomatic approach when he was asked about Golden State's homecourt advantage. Kerr admitted a change in fan engagement, but noted the team's on-court play can be a factor in how spectators cheer.
"I don't think there are any obligations," Kerr said Monday. "The teams that I cheer for, I don't feel obligated to cheer. There's no obligation. People follow us, people are sports fans because they are interested the team and the sport and the energy of it all, and it's on the team to make it interesting and make it compelling.
"I think we've done a pretty good job of that here and we've been blessed to have amazing fans here in the Bay Area, so it all ties together. Let's put a better effort out on the floor, and give our fans something to cheer for."
Thompson criticized the crowd on Sunday, saying he expects fans "to be a little more into it" during games. On Monday, Kerr said he agreed with Thompson, saying that fans have become accustomed to a certain standard over the last five years,
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But, Kerr thinks the Warriors, who have lost three of their last five games at home, can control fan reaction with on-court play.
"I think I understood what he was talking about but like I said its all tied together," Kerr said. "When you play well, when you play with a great energy, a great pace and spirit, fans are going to be naturally more excited. And on the flip side, the fans were probably more excited five years ago than they are now because the journey was fresh and new and it's different now. It's different for everybody.
"I do know one thing, we thrive off on the energy at Oracle. The fans have helped us win at a high level and we need them, but we have to give them more to cheer about."
Warriors will next have an opportunity to plead their case on March 21, when Golden State hosts the Indiana Pacers.
