LeBron James, NBA Made Fans Proud in Return: Unchecked
From a beautiful demonstration on the court before the game, to LeBron James locking down both Kawhi Leonard and Paul George to end it, the NBA definitely gave its fans something to be proud of in its return.
It’s bigger than basketball.
— NBA (@NBA) July 31, 2020
"We want to keep our foot on the gas." pic.twitter.com/Bfymlz5lyf
As though the fans there were only virtual, I have to imagine virtually everyone watching was impressed with the league’s return. I certainly was.
Perfect way to start the @NBA season!
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) July 31, 2020
First there was the presentation, and for something that should’ve felt awkward, I thought the aesthetics highlighted the action, as my eyes were drawn to the court and the sound that was pumped in was natural to my ears.
TNT/NBA restart initial reaction
— Andrew Marchand (@AndrewMarchand) July 31, 2020
1. The court looks amazing ✅
2. The sound is immersive ✅
3. Ian Eagle/SVG might be best national booth combo ✅
Then there was the product, and Lakers-Clippers is the best they have to offer. It’s hard to come away from that game knowing who would win a series, but the Lakers took the opener because they are good enough to withstand shooting struggles from James, thanks in large part to the presence of Anthony Davis, who was an absolute monster.
Anthony Davis vs Clippers
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) July 31, 2020
34 PTS
8-19 FG
2-5 3PT
16-17 FT
8 REB
4 AST
pic.twitter.com/giY9USuJk3
And if they continue to get the contributions they did from the likes of Kyle Kuzma, Dion Waiters and Alex Caruso, the LakeShow will be tough to beat. However, the opener was more about the moment to me.
Every NBA player who restarted the league's season on Thursday kneeled during the National Anthem, wearing "Black Lives Matter" shirts. https://t.co/OatBas9TbQ pic.twitter.com/5nfZpDO5Mq
— CNN (@CNN) July 31, 2020
It is apparent the NBA as a whole takes the responsibility of this return seriously, and the players are going to seriously compete. Which was demonstrated by LeBron locking down Leonard.
So, while the overall return of the NBA definitely felt bigger than basketball, damn was it good to have basketball back.
