Boston advance to NBA Conference Finals

I never understood the "home court advantage" phenomena that is displaying itself in the NBA's 2008 playoffs at the moment. While I write this, the home teams have won 22-2 times. And that is what happened in the case of game 7 between Boston and Cleveland. Boston won the final game, and advance to meeting Detroit in the Conference Finals. And if Boston keep going the way they're going, they do not have to win on the road, but just keep winning at home.

So what is this "home court advantage"? Is it physical, or more psychological? I can't say, as I have never been to a game with Boston live. I've watched many over the past 20 years or so, but they've been either via TV, or via the Internet. It may be a combination of knowing the home court a little better, but I doubt it with the standardisation of the courts by the NBA. All rings and backboards have to be of a certain height, all lines must adhere to certain standards, etc. What it is more likely, is the spectators chanting and teasing the opponents, and supporting the home side. Well that's my guess. I would hate to travel to another location, just to feel like I'm not welcomed, and the job I was doing was being ridiculed. I understand that top teams and top players are professional in this regard, and will rise above it, but it must be a very overwhelming factor. The other thing I think it may be is the care and support of the home city to the player. They're at home, with their own families, eating their own food, in a supportive lifestyle. I can attest to this personally, as it's been very hard for the past 7 months living away from my wife in a different city.

Anyway, I hope Boston sweep away Detroit, and move onto the NBA 2008 Finals.

GO CELTICS!