Basketball made an official return to your screens on the 30th of July. The NBA went on a hiatus since the 11th of March due to the global pandemic known as COVID-19. Shortly after the suspension of the league, five individuals in the NBA tested positive to the virus.
The NBA then created a ‘bubble’ for the teams inclusive of players and management officials needed during games. The players and staff of the teams have been living in the bubble for a month and regular testing was carried out.
During the mass testing conducted at the start of the NBA bubble, about 30 individuals inclusive of players and members of the coaching staff tested positive to the virus. However, all 30 individuals have now recovered from the virus.
Last night’s games featured New Orleans Pelicans square up against the Utah Jazz while the Los Angeles went head to head as the Lakers and Clippers clashed. Both games were tightly contested and the victors emerged by narrow margins.
Rudy Gobert, Donovan Mitchell and Mike Conley lead the Utah Jazz to 106-104 victory against Zion Williamson, Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram and the New Orleans Pelicans.
Both the Jazz and Pelicans shared similar match statistics with total rebounds, steals, turnovers and personal fouls but Donovan Mitchell’s 20 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals was good enough for the Utah Jazz to seal a victory.
All eyes were on the clash between the Lakers and the Clippers, this game did not disappoint in any way. However, the Lakers were not so convincing in their win but were able to take advantage of the numerous mistakes made by the Clippers.
Basketball fans, experts and critics were anticipating a Lebron James master class but it was Anthony Davis who ran the show for the Lakers as he registered 34 points with 8 rebounds and 4 assists.
Off-season recruit JR Smith got some game time with 8 minutes registered but it’s quite clear where he stands in the hierarchy of Guards as Caldwell-Pope, Kyle Zuma and Dion Waiters all got the nod ahead of the veteran.
After a five-month absence, all the teams are raring to go. However, all eyes will be on Western Conference leaders Los Angeles Lakers and Eastern Conference leaders Milwaukee Bucks.
Both teams are led by former MVPs in Lebron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Both forwards will be aiming to lead their teams to the 2020 playoffs.
Another rivalry will be between Lebron James and Kawhi Leonard. Both forwards will be aiming to win their third NBA Championship with their third franchise teams.
However, the Bucks are closely trailed by the 2019 champions, Toronto Raptors, the Boston Celtics and the Miami Heat. The other four teams in the top 8 of the Eastern Conference currently are the Indiana Pacers, Philadelphia 76ers, Brooklyn Nets and Orlando Magic.
Kawhi Leonard’s Clippers are breathing down the necks of Lebron’s Lakers in the Western Conference. The Denver Nuggets, Utah Jazz, Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Dallas Mavericks and Memphis Grizzlies all occupy the top 8 positions in the Western Conference as it stands.
