If you think you're a loyal sports fan, think again. In Brooklyn, there's a man who watches his beloved no matter what. Even last Tuesday, with the team's hopes of reaching the playoffs over and a howling April storm lashing through Brooklyn, he was at the Barclays Center to cheer on the Nets against the . His name is Bruce Reznick, but almost all Nets fans know him as "Mr. Whammy". Born in Brooklyn, the 88-year-old has followed the franchise from near the baseline for the last 28 seasons. He's become one of the most recognizable fans in the NBA thanks to his ability to distract opposing players at the free-throw line. In his moment to shine, Mr. Whammy gets up from his seat and stands ready for a free throw. He then waves his arms and points his fingers while shouting in an attempt to distract opponents, with the technique later christened "the whammy". While most shots still find the net (these are professional NBA players after all), there's no doubting Reznick's impact. Last April, Brooklyn revealed that it had the lowest opponent free throw percentage at home in the NBA that season (74.7 percent). "The Whammy Effect is real," added the team's account on X. Reznick's confidence and commitment to put off the world's most talented
basketball players comes from a desire to support his team. "I don't consider myself important," Mr. Whammy told Mirror Sports US at the Barclays Center ahead of the Pacers game. "I'm just (a fan). I'm a terrific fan - I love my team - so I want to help them in every way I can. The whammy seems to work a lot." That was evident against the Pacers. Indiana went into last the game as the favorites, as it sat sixth in the Eastern Conference with a 43-33 record and in playoffs contention. As for Brooklyn, it was 29-47 and 11th in the standings and out of the race. The Pacers started the game on top by establishing a 14-11 lead and earning two free throws, with just over five minutes left in the first quarter. The hosts needed some inspiration. Mr. Whammy got into position to distract Indiana's Pascal Siakam, and the crowd responded by jeering. Much to the delight of Reznick, Siakam missed, and the super fan responded by celebrating. Although Siakam found the net at the second time of asking, Brooklyn quickly made it a two-point game before its biggest supporter had even sat back down and went on to record a 115-111 win. Reznick clearly got under the Pacers' skin last Tuesday, proven by an incident involving Aaron Nesmith. After sinking his free throw, Indiana's No. 23 returned "the whammy" and gave Reznick a taste of his own medicine. The only players who avoid "the whammy" are former Nets, as Reznick doesn't use his playbook on them out of respect. Even in the second half of games, when an opposing player is
shooting at the free-throw line from the other end of the court and not even facing Mr. Whammy, Reznick still performs his trademark routine. The fans in the distance respond by smacking two inflatable yellow sticks together (resembling fries made by sponsors McDonald's) like they are being orchestrated by Mr. Whammy. It's clear Reznick is a focal point for spectators inside the Barclays Center and a leader for the people of Brooklyn. Despite his modesty, his importance to the Nets is unquestionable. Yet Mr. Whammy isn't just a distractor - he's also a supporter. He creates a unique sign for each home game, something he "loves" doing. "Do you know how long it takes me to make that sign? Five minutes. It's just in my blood." Although Reznick was born in Brooklyn, he moved to Miami Beach in 1952 before graduating from school, college, and law school to practice in the latter field. He returned to Brooklyn in 1960 and soon fell in love with the Nets, who moved from
New York to New Jersey in 1977 and remained there until 2012. Despite playing in New York's neighboring state, Mr. Whammy adored the team just as much when it was in New Jersey. "I loved the treatment I got in New Jersey - they were terrific in New Jersey - but Brooklyn is special." Although New Jersey lost a major league team, the people of Brooklyn needed the Nets more. The borough lost the Dodgers in 1957 when owner Walter O'Malley relocated the franchise to
Los Angeles following a dispute with public planning czar Robert Moses over a new stadium. Yet after 55 years of pain, Brooklyn got its major team back in 2012. Mr. Whammy recalled his memories of following the Dodgers and why he'll always support the Nets - even during a season dominated by losses. "We had a team called the Brooklyn Dodgers, a
baseball team. They were always in the cellar, the last team in the league. "I loved the Brooklyn Dodgers, I went to my first-night game when I was seven - in 1943. I went to every night game after that. No matter how bad they played or how poor their results were, I loved the Dodgers. "No matter how the Nets play (I support them). When they're successful, I love them; when they're failing, I love them. If you love your team, it doesn't matter if they win or lose - you love them. If you love your girlfriend or you love your wife... they can be mean some days, they can be nice some days - (but) you love them the same." Sadly, Reznick lost his wife Judy last September - just days before the new NBA season. Like her husband, Judy was a devoted Net. She was affectionately known as "Mrs. Whammy" - a nickname that summed up her importance to Brooklyn. Although Reznick was devastated by his "terrible" loss, he was comforted by the support he received from the Nets. The team paid tribute to Judy during a home game last October by playing a video montage on the big screen and asking spectators to applaud. Unsurprisingly, almost everyone inside the Barclays Center got to their feet and clapped. Mr. Whammy called the tribute "the most beautiful thing I've ever seen" and added: "She was a bigger fan than I, but she let me have the spotlight." Although the 2023-24 season hasn't gone to plan for the Nets, Mr. Whammy believes Brooklyn's team is heading in the right direction. "I don't know if the Nets have reached the popularity of the Dodgers, but I'm sure, in time, they will have that. We've been here (the Barclays Center) now (for just over) 10 years, and I see tremendous enthusiasm for the Nets. "We are a losing team this year and, you watch, the stadium is going to be filled up (tonight). Most teams, when they're losing, there's a lot of empty seats. Here, you don't find empty seats. That's a very good start." Whatever the future holds for the Nets, one thing is guaranteed: Brooklyn will never forget Mr. Whammy.