The first night of NBA basketball isn’t just about the stats, box scores and highlights. One can really get a sense of how good or bad it was through the photos that stand out.
Saying goodbye to Flip
It’s a sad thing that he’s gone, and it’s heartwarming to see the players, colleagues and teams reacting accordingly.
The Block
For the first 24 hours of the NBA season, this is the best photo of 2015-2016. LeBron James going up for a game-tying shot but is blocked by Pau Gasol.
A giddy MVP
Stephen Curry looks really really happy to have an NBA championship ring.
Resting on the rim
There’s something very cool about Jimmy Butler, besides his extraordinary life story. Doing things like this, hanging from rims after dunks, helps him become more of a star in this league, which isn’t always about ability.
Steph & Draymond having fun
Cruising against the New Orleans Pelicans, the Warriors sure did look like they were having fun on their season debut, and not just because of getting their championship rings.
Joakim Noah pulling a face
There’s always something awkward about the way Joakim Noah plays basketball, even when he’s good. The same goes for the faces he makes in certain moments, probably his most famous trait.
LeBron doing some complaining
LeBron James stops to argue with one of the referees. He actually had a solid case on the final play of the game, just before Pau Gasol blocked him. The Spanish big man fouled him as James was setting up for the shot, but the officials missed it.
D-Rose & Delly
Matthew Dellavedova picked up a nasty reputation in last year’s playoffs for injuring other players. Here, against the most injury prone player on the face of the planet, he simply takes a shoulder to the chest.
Almost
Mike Muscala just can’t reach Aron Baynes as he dunks the ball.
Pain
Not a good look for Mike Muscala.
Horns
Every team in the NBA has its version of the ‘horns’ play. This is Fred Hoiberg telling his Chicago Bulls to do it.
Awkward
Not exactly sure what’s going on here.
Full focus from the president
Maybe the Chicago Bulls need more Barack Obama on the sidelines this season.
Mine
Players always look goofy on the floor trying to fight for a ball.