The 141-day wait is finally over. The Bubble in Orlando is ready to go. NBA basketball is back.
Last night, two Western-conference battles brought back the best professional sports league in the world. Before both games were played, the league displayed a strong message of unity as the league’s leaders continue to speak out and fight for racial injustices in our country. Black Lives Matter was written in bold letters above center court, as well as on the warm-up shirts of each and every player.
Meek Mill delivered a powerful message that involved his own personal anecdote, as he discussed the momentum in today’s fight for racial equality in America before both teams kneeled for the national anthem.
Rudy Gobert—who’s positive coronavirus test indefinitely suspended the NBA on March 11—scored the first two points inside the bubble (an AND 1) as well as the game-winning free throws to give Utah a 106-104 win over New Orleans.
The next game up? The battle of Los Angeles, featuring arguably the two best teams in the league; the Clippers and the Lakers.
Every player, coach, and referee took a knee before the late-night LA clash—which could be a Western Conference Finals preview—got underway.
Anthony Davis led the Lakers with 34 points, and Paul George finished with 30. LeBron struggled offensively, shooting 6-19 from the field, but came up when it mattered most. Tied at 101, LeBron followed up on a missed shot to give the Lakers a two point advantage. On the defensive end, LeBron locked up Kawhi Leonard and Paul George to seal the victory.
The NBA is back. King James is back. Will his Lakers be crowned champions this year?
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