Once or twice every season, every Eastern Conference team hops in the saddle and journeys from sea to shining sea to the West Coast for a couple games on the road. While the trip may only last four or five games, the impact of the games is usually felt far deeper into the season—each team knows the importance of the time away from their home arenas.
When things go according to plan, winning on the road in today’s uber-competitive West can build identity, instill confidence, and give a fanbase confidence in their team’s abilities.
When things don’t?