By Dr. Brandon Spradley |
After an unusual season due to COVID-19, the National Basketball Association (NBA) is back to start the 2020-2021 season. The NBA had its opening night on Tuesday, December 22, 2020.
The major headline was the Los Angeles Lakers receiving their championship rings as they faced the Los Angeles Clippers. Despite the absence of the fans, this was a special moment for the Lakers franchise, winning their 17th championship. It was also a special moment for LeBron James who captured his fourth NBA title last season.
Unfortunately, the night did not end well for the Lakers as they lost their first game of the season to the Clippers. The Clippers put up 116 points to the Lakers 109. Paul George (Clippers) scored 33 of those points, while Kawhi Leonard (Clippers) chipped in for 26 points.
Not only is the NBA back, so is Kevin Durant. Durant, who took last season off to recover from an Achilles tear, shook off the rust to help the Brooklyn Nets defeat the Golden State Warriors with a 125-99 victory. Durant finished with 22 points in 25 minutes of action, while Kyrie Irving led the Brooklyn Nets in scoring with 26 points.
This is just the start of an interesting season as the NBA is still dealing with the effects of COVID-19. Even with the protocols put in place because of the pandemic, fans are glad to have the NBA back in action.
Dr. Brandon Spradley is the chair of sports management at the United States Sports Academy.