Bernie Sanders looks to NBA's Warriors for inspiration

Like many a conventional politician, Bernie Sanders is hoping the success of a sports team rubs off on him.

So the maverick Democratic presidential candidate, campaigning in California, attended the second half of Monday's Golden State Warriors game, and saw the Oakland-based team rally and advance to the pro basketball finals with a 96-88 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder.

"We came in the second half and the Warriors turned it around," Sanders said, looking for a similar result in his uphill battle against Hillary Clinton for the Democratic presidential nomination.

Noting that Golden State once trailed the best-of-seven series against Oklahoma City by three games to one — and trailed Game 7 at halftime 48-42 -- Sanders said: "The Warriors were down 3-1 and they turned it around and I think that that’s what we’re going to do, too."

He added: "A very good omen for our campaign."

On the other hand, Golden State is favored to win the NBA Finals against LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers; Sanders remains an underdog against Clinton as the Democratic convention looms in July.

The Vermont senator, who attended the game with actor, Bay Area resident, and Warriors fan Danny Glover, received a warm welcome from the crowd, some of whom chanted "Bernie! Bernie!"

After the Warriors rallied in the second half, Sanders was only too happy to claim a little credit.

"What other explanation is there?" Sanders said.

And if the Warriors had lost?

"Hey, in politics, you gotta take your shots." the candidate said.