NBA BUBBLE ACTION
After the 141 day shutdown, the NBA has officially returned live from Buena Vista, Florida. The previous week of games featured the top 4 contending teams in the league (Lakers, Bucks, Raptors, Clippers). The L.A. Lakers have marked unfamiliar territory, clinching the #1 seed in the western conference with a 116-108 win over the Utah Jazz Monday night. The Last time Lakers clinched a No. 1 seed was back in 2010, that season ended up a championship victory over the rival Boston Celtics. The battle of L.A. just got more interesting, with the season series tied 2-2, the Lakers look to take the slight advantage heading into the playoffs sporting a 51-15 record. Unfortunately, given the circumstances of this season and games being played in the bubble, the Lakers will not have home-court advantage throughout the playoffs. Does the #1 seed still work in the Lakers favouring or will the perennial powerhouses of the Eastern Conference take the crown?
Photo courtesy: Sporting News
“Number one, we’re trying to be the best version of the team that we can be. We’re still not done but, this is a big accomplishment for our organization ”
The dark horse in the Western Conference is the Houston Rockets. Led by the offensive tandem of Harden and Westbrook the Rockets have won two big games over the Mavs 153- 149 and the Bucks in a nail-bitter 116-120, before taking a loss to the Portland Trailblazers. The synergy of Rockets small-ball effect has presented mismatches over other ball clubs, especially on the defensive end. Currently the Rockets ranks second in clutch plus-minus (plus-64), which has created a strong case for their late playoff push. The Houston Rockets sit at 4th in the Western Conference trailing two games behind the #3 seed Denver Nuggets, many are waiting to see a potential second-round match-up between the Rockets and Lakers. Will Harden and Westbrook have enough firepower to dethrone King James, AD and the Lakers?
Beard x Brodie
Houston Guards James Harden & Russell Westbrook
Now Crossing over to the Eastern Conference where the Bucks and Raptors are clear-cut contenders for the NBA title chase. The Toronto Raptors have won their last 3 games and are coming off two superb wins against a top-heavy L.A. Lakers and Miami Heat ball club. Under the guidance of Coach Nurse, the Raps looks to continue the quest of repeating as NBA Champions. Despite winning a nail-bitter against the Heat, the Raps are showing some signs of life with the stellar play from their lead guards VanVleet and Lowry. The Two combined for 50 points and 10 assists in their win Monday night vs the heat. The real question is do the Raptors have what it takes to sustain playing at an optimal level heading into the playoffs? We’ll have to wait and see as they prepare to take on a fiery Boston Celtics squad Friday night, the last time the two played back in December 2019 the Raptors escaped with a 113-97 victory. This time around both teams are at an even level playing field.
Photo Courtesy: @ESPN
“You just look at all the ingredients that come into winning basketball, the Toronto Raptors have that and I would give them an edge over Boston ”
Black Lives Matter
As professional sports resumed, millions of athletes are fighting for racial equality amid a world revolution. Given this unique time in history, professional athletes have used their platforms to advocate for social justice advancement. In the arena of pro sports, franchises have become more aware of the excessive racism and oppression against African-Americans. The NBPA has done a phenomenal job pushing the conversation forward, although it’s still too early to determine the implications of the “Black Lives Matter” movement, NBA athletes such as Chris Paul, Kyrie Irving, LeBron James, Malcolm Brogdon, Jaylen Brown + many others have stepped to the forefront as Afro-American leaders. We’ve begun to see a domino effect due to the influence that professional athletes have on the rest of the world, The WNBA has also made it a serious mandate in their league. Having a high population of visible minorities throughout both apparent leagues allows the basketball community an opportunity to educate, inform, and influence those in other ethnic groups.
NBA athletes are fighting to end racial tensions in America.
“I really don’t think the basketball community are sad about losing his viewership. The game will go on without his eyes on it. ”
Circa 1996
We now turn a page in the history book back to 1996 NBA season, where Denver Nuggets guard Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf was suspended and fined $32,000 by the NBA for refusing to participate in the national anthem. For Mahmoud, he spoke his mind stating that the American flag symbolized racism and oppression against African-Americans and that the anthem conflicted with his beliefs of the Islamic faith. Ultimately, as a result, Abdul-Rauf was punished for standing up for what he believed in. According to sources, the NBPA supported Abdul-Rauf and the league compromised a rule that would allow Abdul-Rauf to pray during the playing of the national anthem. Abdul-Rauf know the implications of his decisions would one-day influence athletes for generations to come and that’s exactly what he did.
“You can’t be for God and for oppression. It’s clear in the Quran, Islam is the only way. I don’t criticize those who stand, so don’t criticize me for sitting.”
Now 24 years later, we witness a vast majority of NBA athletes continuing the fight for social justice. President Trump made repulsive comments in regards to players kneeling during the national anthem. NBA global icon LeBron James continues to display his unique leadership as he advocates for the basketball community spreading knowledge and education. NBA players are not concerned about President Trump remark as they have the eyes focused on a larger task at hand. Since the NBA Bubble restart about 300 players had social justice messages worn on the back of their jersey, It’s been interesting to see other minorities join in this movement regardless of their race or personal beliefs. The NBA as we know has grown to a global game including fans of different, race, ethnicities, religion, and world views. But, we all stand together to support our athletes. Personally, it has taken some time adjusting to watching NBA games with virtual fans (320 Fans/games) but, it’s a beautiful time for professional sports as they embark on a new era; #WHOLENEWGAME.
STAND TOGETHER
NBA Supports Black Lives Matter Movement