It starts again where it left off. The remake of last season's final was staged at the America Airlines Arena in Dallas: Mavericks-Heat. But the coincidence (in the NBA none of these delicious calendar crossings is ever totally a coincidence) was not the only peculiarity of this game. The fact that it was played at Christmas didn't make the news either: profane celebrations that are not part of our sporting culture (and the holiday culture of our players), normality for the incessant rhythms of American show business. The highly civilized tradition for the fans of cheering up American families on the afternoon of the 25th, put to the test by the lavish labors of Christmas lunch, was a gift that is filled with more meaning than ever since this Dallas-Miami went staged on the opening day of the 2011-2012 season.
After the lockout had been resolved a few days ago, the lockout by the team owners while they were discussing with the players how to divide up the rich cake of revenues, which pushed the start of the season from November XNUMXst to Christmas, under the starry Texas sky light up the lights of a vintage that promises to be crackling. The ingredients are all there: the cheerleaders look even more attractive on Christmas day, televisions from all over the world are connected, the spotlights illuminate the field and the tap-off is finally launched: the lockout is immediately the past.
Lebron James, the superstar of the Miami Heats, for many one of the strongest players in basketball history, knows this and will try again this year to break the curse that sees him unable to win the title. A few months ago the uncrowned King's dreams of glory shattered right on the Texan parquet under the incessant jabs of a Dirk Nowtzki very close to sublime basketball. King James on the eve of a new round seems eager and determined. Before the game starts he puts his big face up to the courtside camera and sends a message to the worldwide audience “Nba is back!” (“The NBA is back!”). Players probably know they have something to make up for. The motto chosen this year, not surprisingly, to launch the championship sounds like a promise: "Big things are coming".
In the grandstand, the super Commissioner of the League, the great old man, David Stern, is enjoying the grand opening gala, gloating. Despite some booing from the Texan crowd (not a common practice in American arenas), Stern has every reason to smile. The season started late but in certain moments it seemed he might never leave, in the end the Commissioner managed to mediate between the parties and resolve an intricate situation, once again proving to be decisive and necessary for the balance of the League. His position came out strengthened by the story and it was he who wanted to impose the relentless pace that will follow on the regular season. Each team will play 66 games in 124 days, more than one game every two days, there will be very few games cut, the show will continue over the next few months and Stern is sure that the boos will soon turn into applause.
All satisfied, therefore, now that the field is finally speaking. The rematch final rewards this time Miami, who strolls to the AA Arena. On the Pacific coast, in Los Angeles, the star of another young man who walks in important footsteps shines. Derrick Rose, Chicago Bulls, shouldering the heavy burden of being awaited on the shores of Michigan as the new Michael Jordan, proves he has personality to spare and solves the game (87-88 for the Bulls) with a scorching penetration in the last minute . The new Lakers are at the expense, with the roster partially distorted by the Christmas trade, they start the season on the wrong foot, with Bryant caged by the doublings of the perfect defensive machine of the Chicago reds. Waiting for the signing of a top player like Howard, who seems to be moving away day after day, and orphaned by the wise guidance of the master Phil Jackson, the start of the Lakers season seems to start with more uncertainties than certainties. In this basketball Christmas, the Oklahoma City Thunder are confirmed, the very young formation that had shown so much last year extends the Orlando Magic 97-89, led by an amazing Durant and warns everyone that even these very fast boys will be able to have their say in this championship. To close the program two derbies. The first is the California match between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Golden State Warriors, won by the Los Angeles second team 86-105 led by new superstar signing Chris Paul. The second is the opening match between the two symbolic teams of the North-East USA, New York-Boston which ends 106-104 for the Big Apple.
We're only at the beginning and the road to the playoffs is filled with games and pitfalls. All we have to do is sit back and enjoy the show. Big things are coming!
