Americans love sports! According to a 2023 Live Sports Viewership Statistics, 70% of Americans watch live football, basketball and baseball matches on a weekly basis. And if you have recently moved to the States, you would have first-hand experience of the craze for NBA in USA.
Especially if you come from a cricket-loving nation like India, getting to know about the popular sports in the USA can be a little tricky. If you want to know more about the love of basketball in USA and understand the NBA, continue reading.
What is the NBA?
NBA is nothing but the acronym for National Basketball Association. And when it comes to professional basketball, the NBA is considered a premier league. There are 30 teams in total, split evenly between the Eastern and Western Conferences. Since its founding in 1946, it has expanded to become a favorite among the global basketball fans.
What is the structure of the NBA season?
The league has a clear structure. From October to April, there are 82 games in the regular season. Starting in mid-April and ending with the NBA Finals in June, each team fights for a position in the playoffs.
Out of these 30, some teams’ achievements are legendary. With 17 titles each, the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers are tied for the most NBA Championships. The Miami Heat, Golden State Warriors, and Chicago Bulls are some other prominent teams.
Famous Players in NBA History
Just like cricketers Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are popular figures for IPL (Indian Premier League), the NBA has many iconic players too. You may have heard of Michael Jordan growing up? He is referred to as a GOAT (Greatest of All Time). Some of the other key names include Larry Bird, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, and Shaquille O’Neal. And among the new generation of basketball players, LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant regularly create headlines for their brilliant basketball skills.
How does a basketball game work?
Generally, a basketball game is played in four quarters and each lasts 12 minutes. The goal of a team is to score more points than the opposing team. This is done by shooting the ball right through the hoop. Some key positions in a basketball game include point guards, shooting guards, forwards, and centers. Basketball players also specialize in skills like shooting, passing, and defense.
How to start following the NBA in USA?
After your flights to USA land, you may find yourself surrounded by NBA fans. If you are intrigued by the thrill of this game, here’s how you can start following it:
Choose Your Favorite Team: Depending on your city or favorite player, choose a team to support.
Watch Games Regularly: Networks like NBA TV, TNT, and ESPN broadcast NBA games. All games are also accessible through streaming platforms like NBA League Pass.
Learn the Rules: Ensure that you are familiar with the basic rules and terms like “three-pointer” or “assist.”
Do Follow the Highlights: Stay informed about top plays and updates on relevant social media pages or video-streaming platforms like YouTube.
What are some fun NBA traditions?
Like every sports, NBA has its own unique set of traditions, some of the most interesting ones are:
All-Star Weekend: It is a mid-season event that features the All-Star Game, Dunk Contest, and even Skills Challenge.
Draft Night: It is usually held annually in the month of June. For this, new talents are selected by teams.
NBA Finals: This is the crowning event of the season. Here the best team takes the championship trophy.
Furthermore, high-energy games, incredible dunks, and critical moments are hallmarks of the NBA in USA. With halftime performances, celebrity appearances, and thrilling fan experiences, it also distinguishes itself for its entertainment value.
Will you be traveling to the USA soon? Book your Indian Eagle cheap flights and start brushing up your knowledge on basketball so you can make the most of every NBA game in USA.
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