Oracle Arena Must Be the MVP in Game 6 for the Warriors to Save Their Season

The Golden State Warriors will be back in Oracle Arena for Game 6 of the NBA Finals against the Toronto Raptors Thursday night.

It's the last game that will ever be played in the iconic venue.

Down 3-2 in the series, a win keeps their season alive by forcing a Sunday Game 7, while a loss ends their dreams of a three-peat in devastating fashion.

Down so many key players due to injury, the Dubs will need every ounce of energy from the fans in Oakland to provide the lift they need to overcome Toronto, who boast the toughest defense they've faced in the playoffs under Steve Kerr-- and one of the finest individual talents they've been forced to confront in Kawhi Leonard.

Since this dynasty began back in 2014-15, Oracle Arena has consistently been the most difficult place to play in all of basketball. And while many of the die-hard fans of years' past have been priced out of their seats over time, it's a building still very much capable of bringing the noise. Just listen every time a Splash Brother makes a three-pointer.

The passion this fanbase brings to the game will be as palpable as ever Thursday night. In fact, the crowd needs to be the MVP in a game that will see the Warriors forced to find a way to win without Kevin Durant, plus a litany of walking wounded that includes Kevon Looney, DeMarcus Cousins, and Klay Thompson.

For a team as hobbled and battered as the Warriors are, they'll need every edge they can find in order to force a Game 7. In what will be their last game ever in "The Town" a boost from the local fans would certainly be welcomed as the Boys from the Bay seek their third title in four years.