Coming into the 2010-2011 season, NBA commissioner David Stern said this NBA season would be one of the best seasons ever. But this good? Who would have thought?
Week after Week so-called “elite” teams find themselves playing sub par games against sub .500 ball clubs.
Early in the season the “Heatles” found themselves at 9-8. They were sixth placed in the Eastern Conference after two losses to Boston and other NBA teams that many believed they would handle with ease.
After a players only meeting following a loss to the Dallas Mavericks, the team figured out a way to win and have continued to do so posting a 22-2 record since the loss.
On the other side of the nation the Los Angeles Lakers jumped out to a quick 8-0 start. They were a lock to cruise through the NBA and earn another championship for legendary coach Phil Jackson. Getting too complacent with their already elite status, the Lakers fell into a slump with four consecutive blowout losses in the month of December.
Recent basketball has put some really good games on national television that in preseason would have been looked over contest.
Wednesday night saw teams such as the Miami Heat, Dallas Mavericks, Chicago Bulls and the Orlando Magic all lose on the road to teams that are struggling just to make it to the playoffs.
The Miami Heat and Orlando Magic were both on nine game win streaks entering Wednesday’s game, but Blake Griffin and the Los Angeles Clippers were out to prove they could compete with any team in the NBA as they ousted the Heat 111-105.
Teams are putting together rosters that range from having Dwayne Wade, Lebron James, and Chris Bosh joining forces in Miami, to speculation of Dwight Howard being sought out by the Lakers in exchange for Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum.
Teams trying to build on an already depleted roster trying to get better including the Milwaukee Bucks, Memphis Grizzlies and the Indiana Pacers have brought their A games when facing quality opponents. Having equal teams makes games more enticing for fans to watch.
As the season continues, teams will get better and team play will get better and will keep fans focused on can this really be the best season ever.