The Modern Era
Now, the world of basketball's totally changed, and has reached new heights. The game was so different compared to now, and many players have changed the organization. Many things have changed, including the rules, skills, events, and even tricks. The game's gotten quicker, and fancier. This was possible because of the many new players that joined the league. For instance, Vince Carter changed the basketball world's view on dunking. Guards like Allen Iverson, Chris Paul or Derrick Rose changed the world's view on passing and the definition on a point guard. Other guards evolved into superstars and became franchise players for their team. Dwyane Wade, Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, or Dwight Howard are just some of those players. Many people are now adapting to this new way of playing and they continue to respect the world of the NBA.
Early 2000s - The Lakers, Spurs, and PistonsThe early 2000s were dominated by the Los Angeles Lakers, and the San Antonio Spurs. A young Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O' Neal led the Lakers, while Tim Duncan and David Robinson (Twin Towers) led the Spurs. The Lakers won NBA Championships in 2000, 01, and 02. The Spurs won it in 99, 03, and 05. These teams' rosters really dominated the game, and further made people appreciate the league. The Detroit Pistons won the Championship in '04. They were led by the young Chauncey Billups and Ben Wallace.
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06-07 - The Miami Heat and the Dallas MavericksThe Miami Heat turned into a powerhouse in '06 when they acquired Shaquille O' Neal. Put together with veteran Alonzo Mourning and young star Dwyane Wade, they formed one of the best rosters of the team. Their only capable rival these years were the Dallas Mavericks and their German shooter, Dirk Nowitzki. These two teams always played entertaining matches whenever and when it came to the Finals, no one held back. The series reached five games, and Miami won it in six games. They put an amazing performance in the Finals. Although they were trailing 2-0 in the series, Dwyane Wade stepped up and lifted the team to win four straight games. This was when Wade turned into a superstar and one of the icons in modern NBA.
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08-10 - A Classic Rivalry RevivedDuring these years, the Boston Celtics-Los Angeles Lakers' rivalry was revived. In 07, Boston acquired superstars Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett, and Rajon Rondo to make their team championship-calibre. Meanwhile, the Lakers acquired forward Pau Gasol, and certain players like Lamar Odom, Kobe Bryant and Derek Fisher were at their peak. These two teams always delivered when they faced off, and in 08, they gave one of the fiercest, most competetive, and eye-opening series in the Finals. The Celtics eventually won it an amazing seven games. Both teams peaked their players during these years, and were absolutely spectacular.
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11-12 - The Big Three (Again)These years are now currently being dominated by the Miami Heat. They've acquired three superstars in the past 3 years. This being Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, and Lebron James. They've been nicknamed the Big Three because of their talents and skills as basketball players. They wavered at first, but eventually learned how to play together. Once they achieved good chemistry, they took the league by storm. They've been Eastern Conference champions for two years straight, and has won the NBA Championship recently.
Other contenders who are looking to be champions this season will be the OKC Thunder and the Los Angeles Lakers. OKC, losing to Miami this year, has now gotten experience in the Finals, and will hope to win this title soon. They have a decent roster, all young, and led by All-Stars Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. The Lakers meanwhile, have acquired All-Stars Steve Nash, and Dwight Howard. They now have a championship-calibre team once again and will hope to add another trophy to their collection. |
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