I was watching NBA finals game 3 today and saw a footage of Kobe's interview at the beginning. He said sth like they(Celtics) were playing home court so they've won and it's nothing special and we're(Lakers) going to do the same.

Sounds like home court and away court has some effect.

I can think of the effect being the pressure on the away players given by the audience who apparently support home team, they shout defense when home team is on defense which could give pressure on 'em, and when the away team scores the announcer announces his name with a tone like they don't like him scoring which kinda beats down the guy mentally.

Do any of u know is any of these are true and/or know some other effect(s)?

__________________