The NBA is officially back! After a four-month hiatus due to the global pandemic known as COVID-19, the NBA was finally able to start playing meaningful basketball again. The NBA’s opening night was as captivating as any sports event to take place this year outside of the Super Bowl.
The night had multiple moments reminding fans of what was truly missing during this time. A feeling that will prevent anyone from taking sports for granted in the immediate future.
The two games that took place featured matchups between the New Orleans Pelicans and Utah Jazz. The second game was between the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers. Two games that did not disappoint and provided three takeaways moving forward.
3. Ramifications of Bubble Exits
Each player has an obligation to their family and loved ones before the game of basketball. None of them deserve criticism for exiting due to urgent matters that they would leave the team under normal circumstances for. However, exiting the bubble does have its consequences.
Both teams that lost on opening night (Pelicans and Clippers) were impacted due to player exits. The Pelicans put star forward Zion Williamson on a minutes restriction due to his limited action upon reentering the bubble.
Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry noted that Williamson would not play heavy minutes if not physically ready to do so per si.com:
“If he’s ready to play, he’ll play, and if he’s not, we won’t play him,” Gentry said. “You’re not going to risk anything long term for something very, very short term. We’ll see and evaluate tomorrow where he is. The medical people will [evaluate him], and so will Zion. Zion will tell us how he feels, and then from there, we’ll go and see and make decisions based on what is best for him and what is best for our team.”
Williamson played only 15 minutes in the loss. It is debatable if the outcome changes with Williamson on the court, but they surely needed him.
😳 This time it's Zion to Lonzo IN STYLE! #WholeNewGame
— NBA (@NBA) July 31, 2020
📺: @NBAonTNT pic.twitter.com/7DuBiakUpF
While not the same situation, the Clippers were without big contributors in Lou Williams and Montrezl Harrell due to bubble exits. Both players are the Clippers leading scorers off the bench. They regularly keep the team afloat when Paul George or Kawhi Leonard sit for rest.
Harrell has yet to return to the bubble and even upon reentry will have to quarantine for a specific amount of time. Williams has come back but had to quarantine for 10 days due to activities he partook in while being away.
It is evident that bubble exits can play a huge role in the outcome of this season. Particularly, in the midst of this pandemic and the social climate.
2. The Bubble was the right choice
Earlier in the year, there was much skepticism about what course of action the NBA should take to resume play. Many have thoughts revolving around the bubble but it has proven to be effective thus far.
The NBA has had zero positive tests throughout the early rounds of bubble testing and in theory, it should stay that way. Regulations the NBA has put in place have been conducive to limiting virus exposure.
Yahoo Sports has partnered with the @NBA to virtually bring fans inside the Disney bubble using virtual reality.
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) July 30, 2020
More ➡️ https://t.co/tF2PJbsWhN pic.twitter.com/KbEmUrCKNX
Considering other leagues such as the MLB are in danger of having their season canceled, the NBA has done a great job. As long as the players, coaches, and surrounding staff abide by those rules, play will not be hindered.
1. Every Game Matters
The eight playin games matter for every team currently playing in the bubble. From the top seed in each conference, to the last team trying to earn a playoff spot.
Every team has the incentive to play their best basketball which is hardly the case coming towards the end of the regular season. The Pelicans playing Zion limited minutes matters because they lost the game.
In a scenario where they are chasing the eighth spot in the playoffs. Each game is monumental to the end goal of sliding in.
These games have a different sense of importance where players are getting back into rhythm and playing shape. While simultaneously trying to raise their play to match the occasion.
It is a circumstance, unlike any other season that forces any casual fan to watch every game. It is a code the NFL has managed to crack that the NBA hopes to duplicate on a permanent basis.
One thing is for certain, the NBA is back and the world is a better place because of it.
