CLEVELAND — Each and every day we learn new little details about the Golden State Warriors. The players do a pretty good job of peeling back the curtain for fans and the media to get a glimpse of what makes this team click.
Some of the specifics are big picture, like Draymond Green’s strong relationship with Luke Walton. Some, like this one, are the little details that make this team so fun.
Leandro Barbosa says that every time Steph Curry and Klay Thompson drain three-pointers, he yells the word “Haka!” It’s a tradition he started during his time in Phoenix, when the Suns started to become known as a three-point juggernaut.
No need to get your dictionary
“Haka doesn’t mean nothing,” smiled Barbosa on Tuesday before practice.
Sometimes Warriors players even call Barbosa Haka in addition to his main nickname, ‘The Brazilian Blur’. In two games against Cleveland, the 33-year-old Barbosa has been fantastic, averaging 10.5 points to help the Warriors jump out to a 2-0 lead. He’s drained 10/12 shots from the field and has been a thorn in the Cavaliers’ side off the bench.
Haka now joins “Hibachi” (coined by longtime Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas) as one of the best NBA shot celebration phrases.
Barbosa made it clear he wants Warriors fans to join in on Haka starting tonight in Game 3.
My friend @HBarnes revealed the Haka, every 3 point shot from the Splash Brothers y'all have to loudly say #Haka!! pic.twitter.com/QblKKnjnqp
— Leandro Barbosa (@TheBlurBarbosa) June 8, 2016