The past 10 years of the NBA have evolved the game to the next level. It began with a 2010 Lakers championship win over the Celtics, led by Kobe Bryant and masterminded by Phil Jackson, and ended with the Raptors becoming NBA champions for the first time, adding their name to the NBA champions list.
Over this past decade, we’ve seen the game change with a greater emphasis on three-pointers, thanks mainly to Stephen Curry and the Warriors. We’ve seen three franchises add their name to the NBA champions list, as well as the emergence of the Warriors vs Cavaliers rivalry.
The NBA today is a different beast to the 2010 NBA season. The best players, games and moments have helped shape this current version. Here are the highlights from the past decade of the NBA: 2010-2020.
Stephen Curry has fundamentally changed the way that basketball was played in the NBA this past decade. He brought three-pointers into the offense like no player before. All NBA teams have brought three-pointers into their offense and defense, often in an attempt to beat or match the Warriors. The Warriors employed it thanks to the ability of Curry.
Curry holds a host of NBA records, including the most three-pointers in a season, in a regular game and in an NBA final. He is tied for most three-pointers in a single playoff game as well.
It is certain that Curry will be synonymous with this decade in the NBA. His ability has earned him three NBA championships, building the Warriors dynasty. Curry and James also made NBA finals history in Game 2 of the 2017 NBA Finals, by each recording triple-doubles for their teams.
The Mavericks had to overcome a stubborn Trail Blazers team in the NBA playoffs en route to the finals against the Heat. The Mavericks’ aging squad was up against the big three of James, Wade, and Bosh.
In Game 2 of the 2011 NBA Finals, with 7 minutes left in the fourth quarter, Wade scored a three-pointer to put the Heat 15 points ahead. One of the greatest finals comebacks ensued. The Mavericks scored 20 - 5 points leading up to the final play. Dirk Nowitzki turned Bosh to win the game for the Mavericks.
The Mavericks went on to win the finals four games to two. It was the Mavericks first-ever NBA championship. Watching these NBA highlights, it’s difficult not to notice Wade lingering in front of the Mavericks bench after sinking his three-pointer. Every comeback needs a villain.
Defensive plays aren’t often the most popular NBA playoffs highlights. They usually consist of clutch three-pointers or dunks. However, in Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals, LeBron James ran the length of the court to deliver a pivotal block against Andre Iguodala.
The Cavaliers and Warriors were tied at 89-89 with less than two minutes in the game remaining. Curry and Iguodala broke free and as Iguodala looked set to score, James appeared out of nowhere for the block. The replies show how James sprinted back to make the block.
In the next play, Kyrie Irving scored a three to give the Cavaliers the lead in the final minute. Curry then missed a three-point attempt for the Warriors, and James converted one of two free throws to seal the game and the Cavaliers’ first NBA championship. This is one of those NBA scores which should include a point-saving defensive moment along with the point scorers.
Against expectations, the Raptors made it to the 2019 NBA Finals. They were up against the Warriors who were in their fifth consecutive finals. Despite the odds, The Raptors found themselves 3-2 up in the finals and 111-108 up.
Curry scored two clutch free throws to bring it to 111-110 with 18 seconds remaining. The Raptors had possession, but Danny Green misplaced his pass to give the Warriors the possession with 9.6 seconds remaining. The Warriors crowd erupted, sensing a comeback victory.
The Warriors worked it to Curry to make a three-point attempt, which was unsuccessful. DeMarcus Cousins couldn’t claim the rebound, and Leonard broke clear before an erroneous time-out was called by the Warriors with less than a second left in the game. Leonard converted his free throws to end the game at 114-110. The Raptors won their first NBA championship and in doing so became the first Canadian NBA champions.
This past decade has had some memorable games, and championships have been decided on brilliant clutch plays. The difficulty in predicting the outcomes of those games is what makes sports betting so enjoyable.
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Highlights from the past decade of NBA: 2010-2020
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