The holidays are the most wonderful time of the year, filled with joyous memories and the season of giving. With historic records, electric rookies, and the end of an era in Hollywood, the NBA has given its fans gifts of both excitement and surprise so far this season leading up to the Christmas Day festivities. Here are the best gifts given by the NBA this season:
As the Golden State Warriors kept piling on the wins to start the new season, fans from all over the country kept checking the standings in awe, completely mesmerized by what Steph Curry and company were able to accomplish. Whether you’re from the Bay Area or not, there is no denying that their 24-0 start to the season was truly remarkable and historic, shattering the previous record to start the season of 15-0. The best part about the gift the Warriors have given to us basketball fans has been their ability to play a brand of basketball that is so much fun to watch. The flare, finesse, and perfection at which the Warriors operate is incredible, and the constant array of three pointers raining in from beyond the arc has turned the Warriors into a juggernaut offensively. Led by the impressive ball handling, savvy passing, and ridiculous three point shooting of the MVP, Steph Curry, Golden State has put on one of the best shows of entertainment the NBA has seen in decades. Watching the Warriors play has been an honor, and us fans should be truly thankful to have the opportunity to watch such beautiful basketball being played at such a high level on a nightly basis.
Three thousand miles away from Oracle Arena in Oakland, rookie phenom Kristaps Porzingis has been lighting up Madison Square Garden, raising the holiday spirits of Knicks fans amidst what very well may be yet another losing season. The Latvian sensation has been raising eyebrows all season long, proving whatever skeptics he may have had on draft night completely wrong. At 7-3, Porzingis has shown he is a tremendous dunker, fantastic shot blocker, and skilled offensive power forward, driving past and shooting over opposing big men. Porzingis’ athleticism has been on full display with his highlight reel of put back dunks, bringing the New York crowd to its feet. By no means am I a Knicks fan (Hello Brooklyn), but it’s hard not to get drawn into the hype surrounding Porzingis. New York loves him, and so should the rest of the NBA.
The Warriors’ streak and the play of Kristaps Porzingis have given us the gifts of championships and youth, two blessings that once defined the legendary Kobe Bryant. While it is extremely sad to see Kobe leave the NBA family, it is also very rewarding to watch him suit up for the purple and gold one last season. With five championship rings, numerous game winning shots, and countless memories, Kobe Bryant has earned his way into the history books as one of the greatest players of all-time and, along with Tim Duncan, has been the face of the NBA the past two decades. The Lakers are quite dreadful this year, and so is Kobe’s shooting percentage, but that doesn’t take away from how special of a farewell tour this has been and will be for Kobe Bryant. Fans must cherish the gift that is watching Kobe Bryant play basketball one last time, as the Mamba will be deeply missed by the NBA after this season.
