NBA Basketball History
The NBA was created on August 3rd, 1949 and it was composed of 17 franchises from both large cities and small towns. As of 1954 the number of members had decreased to 8; these franchises were: Knicks, Warriors, Hawks, Lakers, Celtics, Kings, 76ERS and Pistons. But, from this very small amount of basketball teams; the league grew to have a total of 30 teams nowadays.
Throughout the NBA history there had been several individuals that have left their everlasting print in the sport amongst them we find; the first NBA superstar, center George Mikan of the Minneapolis Lakers to Phoenix Suns Shaquille O’Neal.
During the 1950’s the sport of basketball opened its doors to the first franchise dynasty as the Minneapolis Lakers that managed to win 5 NBA Championships. Followed by the 1957 Bill Russell’s allegiance to the Celtics, leading the franchise to eleven NBA titles in 13 seasons.
In 1959 Wilt Chamberlain entered the NBA and became one of the greatest players placing new records by rebounding 55 in a game and scoring 100 points in a game.
Later on during the 1970’s the NBA reached 18 teams and following the 1976 season the league increase by adding 4 teams from the ABA raising to a total of 22 teams. In 1979 the NBA introduced the three point field goal to open more the game. This was also the year in which Larry Bird and Magic Johnson joined the NBA, a definite change was made to the sport due to their incredible way of playing besides their well-known rivalry; without a doubt Bird and Magic helped to increase the fans interest in the league.
Then the 1990’s came and with it the Michael Jordan’s era. This Afro American basketball player known as Michael Jordan delivered a totally solid game and winning shoots. He arose the interest of thousands of fans in the league who simply wanted to see him play. Jordan broke several records and currently he is considering one or the best player in the NBA history.
During the same time; globalization took place worldwide and a staggering number of NBA stars began to come from different countries not just the United States. For the first time in 1992 the U.S Olympic team was featured by NBA players such: Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, and Scottie Pippen.
This basketball team which was also known as “the Dream Team” captured the 1992 Olympic Gold Medal in Barcelona. Additionally; in 1996 the NBA created the WNBA (women’s league).
Since 1998 the Western Conference has dominated the NBA capturing 7 of 9 championship titles. In 1999 the Spurs won the championship led by Shaquille O’Neal and the Lakers enhanced 3 championships with new team leader Kobe Bryant.
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