Nothing beats commute traffic on a misty, overcast Interstate 80. Freeway congestion can drive anyone to insanity. Of course, breaking through the web of sporty Hondas and semi-trucks is required to enter the sports haven known as the Bay Area.

But unlike my frequent journeys to see the Giants at Pac Bell Park, this evening’s drive to the Bay failed to grip any feeling of nostalgia. I was headed to Oakland to be included in “A great time out” and watch my Warriors take on the Milwaukee Bucks. The Warriors have already claimed their familiar position in last place and have once again put a lid on any hope from their fans. But we go in search of entertainment, not looking for a victory. That proverbial crawl from Sacramento to the Bay Area was all that stood between a few of the greatest athletes in the world and us.

“This is part of the ‘Nick’s Greatest Hits collection’,” announced my cousin Nick as he began blaring Puff-Daddy through his car speakers. From there we began a heated discussion surrounding the reasons I don’t listen to rap anymore. This in turn led to an intense debate over gun control, followed by a mind-blowing conversation over “J-Lo’s” love life. It was all we could do to get us through the gridlock.

Once the cloud of traffic had been lifted, it was smooth sailing. Smooth enough to allow for a quick little nap. Refreshed, I awoke at the Oakland Coliseum — 30 minutes before tip-off.

At the top steps of the entrance we met up with my other cousin, Phil, and his friend Chris. The four of us proudly showed our tickets and made our way down to the “Sideline Club” section. If you are unfamiliar with this special club, it basically means you pay an extra twenty dollars a ticket, two bucks more for a smaller hot dog, but have a nicer restroom facility. However, past the “club” element of the deal, these are the most primo seats available. I paid my seven bucks for a hot dog and a Coke, and took my seat.

Of course, I was the unlucky one who got stuck on the aisle. I hate being the guy on the end! The aisle seat is even worse when attending a game with three other people. Suddenly I have become the guy that leans over every ten seconds to make a comment to everyone. This is very frustrating.

The aisle isn’t all bad though. It allows you to take part in the game inside the game. This is far and away my favorite part of a sporting event. It occurs when a big shot in the middle of the row orders food or drink from the vendor. Grab the drink, pass it down, grab the money, pass it down. Wait, he needs change! Pass that down. It’s a real community event.

The game was now underway and the Warriors had taken a surprising lead. Comments like, “I wonder how they are going to blow it tonight,” and “It’s a good thing the Bucks aren’t making their shots tonight,” shored up the negative energy that normally surrounds a Warriors game.

When it comes to sports there are a few things you can always count on — a Florida team in the Rose Bowl, dreadful officials, ugly uniforms and a losing Warriors team. But tonight the Warriors held the lead through three quarters. Naturally, we held our breaths in disbelief.

Here we were, gawking at a seven-point Warriors lead heading into the fourth quarter of the game. Cynicism, however, remained thick in the arena’s atmosphere.

But before we could begin discussing tonight’s technique for a blown lead, out comes Thunder, the Warriors massive, blue mascot! This guy is enough reason to go see the Warriors alone. Sure, he uses a trampoline, but when a guy ascends ten feet over the basket, or does a flip and then dunks; well that is just phenomenal.

It took only six minutes into the fourth quarter before we got what we had predicted. The Warriors blew the lead. Now it was only a matter of another six minutes before it was official.

Numerous missed free throws, multiple turnovers and a three-pointer by Ray Allen contributed to the losing formula tonight. Final Score: Milwaukee Bucks 95, Warriors 91.

Despite yet another loss, this is a different team than the one I have grown accustomed to in years past. The 2002-2003 Warriors are a three quarter team, unlike previous teams that couldn’t show up for one quarter. They played an electrifying game that entertained us until the end. Still, it was the modest storylines throughout the night, which shaped an enjoyable outing. It was the elation of a costumed character soaring through the air; the gratification in a single hot dog; and some friend’s courteous laughs at my feeble joke attempts that created the experience.

Sure we lost, but we are happy nonetheless. In Oakland, we don’t go through heartbreak after being beat; we just tack up one more loss and hope for luck in the draft lottery.