Selecting the Highlight of the NBA Season

Reflecting on the unforgettable moments of the historic season.

The curtain has just come down on the previous NBA season, yet it already feels like history. All eyes are now focused on the upcoming season, which promises to showcase newly drafted rookies and established stars in fresh team colors. But what stood out in the last season? Recent happenings should ideally be more memorable and impactful. Yet LeBron James, who finally topped the list of the NBA’s all-time leading scorers, making the entire season truly historic, might disagree.

Denver Nuggets’ Championship

The Denver Nuggets finally clinched their first-ever league trophy! The team embarked on a remarkable journey, and their leading stars matured enough to secure the title. The name that immediately springs to mind when discussing Denver is their unique star, Nikola Jokić. Jokić approaches basketball as if it were his regular day job. He loves his family and horses far more than the game. Yet, on the court, he is a master of all trades. A center who outruns guards, delivers overhead passes, and scores three-pointers – this is the face of the franchise and the MVP of the final series.

On their way to the title, the Nuggets confidently defeated all opponents, including the formidable Los Angeles Lakers with LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Despite the Lakers’ desperate fight, they couldn’t win a single match.

LeBron James’ Record

The career point record in the NBA belonged to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and it seemed insurmountable. It was aptly referred to as the ‘everlasting record’. Decades passed, super-talented players entered the league, but staying productive over a long stretch remained challenging.

LeBron quickly realized that maintaining his health was the key to greatness. He invested heavily in his physical well-being, which in return gave him the chance to overtake Jabbar. He grabbed this opportunity with both hands! The King now boasts hundreds of millions of dollars, a plethora of titles, and the honor of being the highest-scoring NBA player in history.

Miami in the Finals

A few seasons ago, Miami made it to the finals but lost to LeBron and his Lakers. Following that, the Florida-based team did not pose a significant threat, even though they retained their stars and added Kyle Lowry to the mix.

In the 2022/2023 season, the Heat secured the eighth spot in the East but successively overcame the Bucks, Knicks, and Celtics to reach the finals. At one point, it seemed that Jimmy Butler and his magic could contend for the title, but Denver proved too strong.

The Transformation of the Lakers

The Lakers were considered one of the top contenders for the title at the start of the season. However, the Los Angeles team let down experts and fans alike. Losses came one after another, Anthony Davis was plagued by injuries and couldn’t play, Russell Westbrook struggled to find the basket even in simple situations, and opponents effortlessly got the better of him.

Everything changed when the rookies joined the team. The Lakers management worked wonders before the trade deadline. As a result, LeBron James’ new partners were Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, and D’Angelo Russell. Almost instantly, the Californians, who had been the laughing stock throughout the championship, transformed into a formidable force, bolstered by a finally healed Davis. The Lakers stormed into the playoffs, crushing both the Memphis Grizzlies and the Golden State Warriors, only to be halted by the eventual champion.

Kevin Durant’s Trade to Phoenix

Kevin Durant’s recovery process was a lengthy one. Brooklyn had faith in the process and believed that their star player would return to his peak performance. This faith led to a multi-year, multi-million dollar contract for Durant, further complemented by Kyrie Irving and James Harden. At one point, the Nets seemed to pose the biggest threat to the entire league, and their championship win seemed only a matter of time.

But Durant (and Irving) decided that their chapter with Brooklyn was over. Even before the start of the season, Durant requested a trade, but the Nets management asked for too much in return over the summer and couldn’t find any worthy offers. However, by mid-season, Durant had moved to Phoenix, joining forces with Chris Paul, Devin Booker, and Deandre Ayton. Now, it was the Suns who were called the number one contender for the title. But Durant’s playoff magic did not come into play, and the Denver Nuggets advanced.