We are now two weeks removed from the end of the NBA Finals where we saw the Los Angeles Lakers, led by Lebron James, capture their 17th title over a very game Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat. The conclusion of Game 6 not only brought an end to the 2019-20 NBA season (finally), but it also saw the end of the Orlando Bubble. So I thought I would share my thoughts on the entire operation that the league put together.
Things that I loved about The NBA Bubble:
It brought basketball back into our lives, something that looked impossible after the league’s suspension in March. My biggest concern about the bubble was the health and safety of the players and staff; originally I didn’t even want the season to resume. I didn’t feel right that people would be risking their lives in a pandemic for my entertainment - I know it’s their job but still. However thanks to the league’s strict rules and guidelines, they were able to provide players and staff a safe space for three months.
It allowed players to express their social justice views specifically, it allowed them to amplify the Black Lives Matter movement. Players and coaches advocated for numerous causes like raising awareness for the movement and for seeking justice for Breonna Taylor. I was very proud that the league allowed players to use their voices and speak on social injustices. Adam Silver continues to show that he’s willing to listen to the concerns of the players and will do his best to try and support their actions for change in society.
It was like hanging out with a friend you haven’t seen in a very long time. I honestly believed that the play would be sloppy but thanks to a few warm-up games, most of the rust was shaken off and players were roughly back to their former selves; from the minute that the first regular-season game started, it was like they never left. The excitement, the drama, the shocking moments - it was truly missed.
Allowing teams that weren’t technically eliminated to participate in The Bubble added much-needed drama to regular-season games, especially in the West. This revision to the schedule came in handy since the NBA had to play at least 70 regular season games or they would risk losing out on millions (*in the Rock’s promo voice*) ANDDDDDD MILLLIONSSSSSS of dollars. Read more about it right here ---------> https://nba.nbcsports.com/2020/05/15/report-nba-would-lose-900-million-in-television-money-if-playoffs-are-canceled/
The fact that each game was literally a must-win for the teams was the biggest reason for The Bubble’s positive reception. Sure they weren’t playing for homecourt but it just meant that seeding mattered more than ever, especially for teams who didn’t have a seat at the “Playoff Table.”
The 8th vs 9th seed matchup forced the 8th seed to move forward while looking backward. They didn't have the luxury of a “cushion” to fall back on, which meant every win or loss meant more than it would’ve at the end of a non-pandemic season. The new dynamic provided some extra drama throughout the entire eight-game regular season but I don't think it can work when things go back to normal.
The multiple little adjustments that the NBA made to have it live up to its campaign of, “It’s a Whole New Game.” I.e. the different camera angles and the fact that when plays were reviewed and challenged, we were able to hear the referees speak instead of having the commentators speak to us. The virtual fans were a nice touch, especially when celebrities were in attendance.
The fact that the bubble had 0 positive COVID cases proves once and for all that quarantining works, so hooray.
Finally, the primary reason I think The bubble was such a huge success occurred during the playoffs: It completely erased home-court advantage, thus making it the great equalizer! The league did their best to try to give teams the feel of a home-court but there wasn't much they could do. There was no home-court advantage, no cheers or boos, no screaming chants for “DEFENSE.” It was just mano y mano - who wanted it more.
I used to think that home-court advantage wasn’t that important, but after witnessing some shocking upsets these playoffs (e.g. Heat over Bucks and Nuggets over Clippers), I think my opinion might change.
Things that I didn’t like about the NBA Bubble:
The fake audio noise that they tried to pump didn't do much for me. On a whole, I thought there were some audio problems but maybe it could have just been my cable provider. Some of the fake audio seemed to pause after a bucket was scored.
The fact that coaches weren’t allowed to bring family members into The Bubble was whack. I know it was corrected after Mike Malone brought it up but still, they have every right to want at least one guest after spending so long in there. I understand the risk factor involved with it but they should’ve been given the option from the beginning.
A lot of the refereeing was subpar. Several games had poor calls and the decisions really affected the outcome and flow of the game. The Tony brothers shouldn’t be allowed to even THINK about refereeing another NBA game and that’s on god. Scott Foster should be banned from officiating any Rockets game for the rest of his life. Bad calls happen and it’s a part of life but they seem more frequent with the aforementioned refs.
For three months the Orlando Bubble gave fans some truly amazing and memorable moments and oh and how we needed them. From buzzer-beaters to 3-1 comebacks, you name it the Orlando Bubble had it all in spades. It made the basketball feel as normal as basketball could feel in a bubble with no fans in a worldwide pandemic. Sure circumstances were different but that doesn't take away from the fact that the journey and goal were the same for each team as it is every year - to win an NBA Championship. So contrary to what “Lebron Haters” say on Twitter - this ring does count. It isn’t a Mickey Mouse ring and you wouldn't be saying that if your team won it, so let’s not downplay the validity of the 2020 NBA Championship. *rant over*
As we say goodbye to the Orlando Bubble we are faced with numerous uncertainties regarding the next season. We don't know when the draft will be; when free agency will start; how much cap space will teams have and we don’t even know when the damn season is starting. But let’s just appreciate the fact that we were able to see the season through and we will face unknowns in the future. As Drake said, “Laugh now, cry later.”
Andrew’s Favourite Bubble Memories
Caris LeVert leading the scrap heap Brooklyn Nets to 5 wins in the regular season.
T.J. Warren becoming M.J. Warren (for like 5 games)
The 8-0 Phoenix Suns (I’m still mad it wasn't them vs Blazers in the 8th matchup)
The Miami Heat upsetting the Bucks in 5 games and eventually making the NBA Finals.
The Raptors vs Celtics series
The Thunder vs Rockets series
Jamal Murray vs Donovan Mitchell
The Nuggets coming back from 3-1 down…. Twice.
Luka’s game-winner against the Clippers
OG Anunoby’s game-winner against the Celtics in game 3.
Lebron’s 4th ring and finals MVP.
The Clippers still are not able to get out of the 2nd round.
Westbrook getting angry at Rondo’s brother in the stands, which was hilarious.
The 76ers firing Brett Brown before he even left the bubble, I mean that was just savage.
The players taking a stand and boycotting games after the murder of Jacob Blake.
Danuel House getting kicking out for having an unauthorized female in his room, during the Rockets playoff series against the Lakers. LMAOOOOOOO!! My boy was starving.
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