My NBA Memories
With the lack of basketball at the moment, I’ve been struggling to think of things to write about. So I was sitting in my bed just wracking my brain to figure out a topic, and I realized that it was a useless activity to do. I got into writing about the sport because I enjoyed watching and talking about it. It’s like when I was pumping out two articles a day for a straight month last year - I just wasn’t enjoying myself. So, instead of thinking of ideas, I just started reminiscing on the best moments I’ve gotten to witness while watching the NBA. Just any moment I could specifically remember where I was or at least remember watching live. They don’t even have to be on court moments either, just any moment I vividly remember watching.
A couple that stick out in my mind are some I tweeted about the other day. I was in my house by myself watching the end of the 2016 NBA Finals when LeBron blocked Iguodala. I was busy with something else and I just turned on the game in the final three minutes or so. Just my luck, it was some of the best minutes of basketball in recent history. I couldn’t believe my eyes.
Then another moment is when I was with my brother, Henry, watching game three of the 2017 Eastern Conference Finals. At least I think it was the ECF. Anyways, the Celtics were down 2-0 in the series to the Cavaliers, and Isaiah Thomas was hurt, so it seemed like all hope was lost. Then, out of nowhere Avery Bradley came off a screen and hit a buzzer beater three that bounced off the back rim just as time was expiring, leaving no time left for the Cavs to get a shot off. All I remember after that was jumping and screaming with my brother because they actually pulled off the win.
Another random one that sticks out in my head is from a Celtics game against the Pacers either last year or the year before. The shot clock was off and the Pacers were trying to hold the ball. Something must’ve gone wrong with their gameplan, because next thing I know Terry Rozier is sprinting into the passing lane, stealing the ball, and dunking it at the other end giving us the lead. I was sitting alone and remember going nuts because I had basically abandoned all hope of winning that game.
There was the Chris Paul/Rajon Rondo fight which I was lucky enough to see live. I was just chilling in my dorm at college watching the game because it was the best one on TV when all hell broke loose. I immediately sat up in my bed and watched more closely than I had been the entire game.
I mean, there was the moment when Gordon Hayward got hurt, too, but that’s not exactly a great moment to relive. I was in a rehearsal for chorus watching the game on my phone behind my binder. When it happened, me and another dude who was watching immediately looked up at each other with a dead look in our eyes. All my friends texted me at once because they knew how distraught I would be.
I remember the iconic Wizards vs. Celtics playoff series because of where I was when it was happening, I was a senior in high school, and we were having a senior cookout on the turf. Someone had brought a TV so that we could all watch the game, but no one could figure out how to set it up outside. That’s when one of the more tech savvy kids stepped up and managed to get it all fixed just in time to catch game seven; where Kelly Olynyk put on an absolute clinic.
I was actually in Texas when the Anthony Davis trade went down. Me and three of my buddies went down to visit our friend who had moved there. We watched the Raptors beat the Warriors and Anthony Davis get traded to the Lakers all in one trip. It was kinda nuts.
This one’s a little weird because the Celtics didn’t actually win the game, but i vividly remember being at my grandparents’ house in Florida watching the Bulls vs. Celtics round one matchup so long ago. I think it might have been the year right before Isaiah came to Boston, or he had just gotten there. Maybe it was even before that, though, I don’t remember the year. All I remember is that it was the Jimmy, D-Wade, and Rondo Bulls who managed to steal the first two games and I was pissed. Rondo somehow went back in time and returned to his prime form for those two games. Then he got hurt and the C’s took the next four. I also remember absolutely BEGGING my dad to make sure that my nana and papa were off the TV by the time the game was on at night. I basically forced my whole family to give the living room to me and my basketball obsession. I’m just glad my dad went with it. If you’re reading this dad, thanks for that, I appreciate the cooperation.
Then there were obviously all the Celtics games this year that are stuck in my head because of how recent they are. Jaylen Brown hitting a dagger against the Rockets - I was in my dorm alone freaking out. Jayson Tatum hitting a stepback, game tying shot after dropping Paul George - I was with my roommate (who’s not a basketball fan) freaking out. When Romeo Langford clutched up against the Hawks I was at home listening on a hand-held, hand-powered radio because my power went out. So many great moments this year, and they all just make me miss it more.
Comment down below some moments you remember watching live when they happened, or feel free to tweet them at me @bannertownusa. I just hope the NBA comes back soon.
P.S. I just really love this tweet I found so here you go.
