The NBA Returns..

The Lockout

So after the 161-day lockout, which saw the 2011-2012 regular season being delayed for over a month, the NBA has returned. The lockout disagreement between the owners and the players, represented by the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA)  began on July 1, 2011 and ended on December 8, 2011 and has reduced the regular season from 82 to 66 games. Personally I am far from an expert on the sport, but since the reintroduction I have definitely found myself on NBA.com on a regular basis..

               Kevin Durant                                                  LeBron James                                                       Derrick Rose

The Season So Far..

Currently mid-way through the shortened season, there seems to be three in the lead for NBA title. Oklahoma City Thunder (28-7) looking odds on to take the Western Conference, whilst over in the Eastern Conference the regular season title is being fought out between the Miami Heat (27-7) and Chicago Bulls (29-8). No surprise then, that these three players currently in the running for the MVP award are at these leading sides. As pictured above the first, and possibly favourite for MVP is Kevin Durant, left, of Oklahoma City Thunder. Next up is the illustrious LeBron James of the Miami Heat, middle, and finally the reigning MVP, Derrick Rose of Chicago Bulls, right.

Blake Griffin Highlights

Blake Griffin is a 6"10, 250lbs monster and has made a name for himself purely off his highly athletic and quite aggressive dunks. Selected as the no.1 draft pick for the LA Clippers, back in 2009, Griffin expectations were high, and he has certainly not disappointed. No more explanation is needed, watch the video below and see the dunk master at work.

Linsanity!!!

Due to the extended break and lack of match practise the standard of play in the first half of this NBA season has been heavily criticised by experts and journalists. A much higher percentage of error, and obvious fatigue in some of the star players, crowds for the games had started to decrease. The need for a boost in excitement was becoming evident. Along came Jeremy Lin!! The un-drafted, underdog has come from nowhere, energizing the flat-lining NY Knicks franchise and exciting the masses.

Here some of Lin's facts..
> Only the 4th graduate from Havard to play in the NBA..
> Lin has been dumped by two NBA teams before joining the Knicks and spent last season playing in the D-league.
> Since starting for Knicks, team has gone 10-3, even without their stars Amare Stoudemire & Carmelo Anthony.
> Highlight so far... His career-high 38 points against Kobe Bryant and the LA Lakers. See the highlights below.

The NBA is Back...