Top 10 NBA Stories of 08-09 Season

10. The All-Star Weekend:

This year's All-Star Weekend was impressive to say the least, it had it all, even Superman made an appearance.

This year's three-point shootout left us with Kapono winning it for the second straight year. We also witnessed Superman win the dunk contest that made us all say "WOOOOOOOOOO."

Not to mention the great and competitive All-Star game that went down to the final minute. We saw Lebron James be named the game's MVP. All of this is why this year's event was special. 

9. Blockbuster Trades:

This season was full of trades that affected it's teams drastically.

We watched the Big Three form in Boston. Pau Gasol was traded to the Lakers in a historic trade that left the Lakers in the finals. The Big Diesel transformed into the Big Cactus when he was traded to the Phoenix Suns.

Also, Lebron finally got some backup when the Cavs traded for Ben Wallace, Delonte West, Wally Szczerbiak and Joe Smith. These trades were all major factors in why this season has been historic in so many ways.

8. The Houston Rockets' 22 win streak:

Houston was on their way to being great contenders for the NBA title this season. Yet that all went south when Yao went out with a big injury. Even without Yao, the Rockets assured everyone that they were still giving it their all.

Without Yao, the Rockets continued the 12-game winning streak that they were on and ran it up to a 22-game winning streak. This made all Houston fans gain faith in their team. This streak came in result of simple team work. Other than T-Mac playing at a high level, Battier and Mutombo stepped up big time.

7. The Race in The Western Conference:

This year's Western Conference was loaded with great teams, all these teams left their mark. The race for the top seat in the West was as exciting as it gets.

The Lakers were the ones who ended up on top when the Spurs and Hornets all had great chances. Also, at the bottom of the conference there was great competition for the final spot in the playoffs.

The Nuggets, Mavericks, and Warriors all gave it 110 percent. In the end, it was the Mavs and Nuggets reaching the playoffs.

6. The Trailblazers 12-game winning streak:

Portland may not have made the playoffs but they were able to have a great highlight in this season, and that was the streak. That streak told us all that next year, with Greg Oden, the Blazers have great potential.

This year Brandon Roy grew into an all-star while LaMarcus Aldridge also became a better player. Even with the competition in the West, I believe the Blazers are a team to beat next year.

5. Life back in Boston:

The Boston Celtics franchise were able to make great trades in the summer and the built up enthusiasm was a result of such great moves. The Big Three were able to return life to the Garden and finished the season with the best record.

No one expected success to come so quickly due to the fact that this team had just come together. The Celtics not only had the best record but they also reached the NBA finals. They have a chance at bringing back the title to Boston.

4. The Lakers keep Bryant and add Pau Gasol:

The season began with Kobe demanding a trade out of LA and that left fans, staff members, and players worried about the future of this team. Those days are long gone.

First off, Andrew Bynum has become a much greater player before getting injured. Second, the huge steal for Pau Gasol made the Lakers serious contenders not only for this season but for many to come.

Last but not least, Kobe Bryant was named the league's MVP in one of the most competitive races yet. All of these factors have led to the NBA finals and a chance for the NBA title.

3. The New Orleans Hornets:

The Hornets shocked everyone this year with a season full of success, enthusiasm, and love from the fans. This team really gave hope for all of New Orleans by delivering one great performance after another.

This season Chris Paul evolved into the greatest point guard in the league. He was joined by another rising star in David West at the All-Star game. Byron Scott was named coach of the year while Peja bounced back nicely from a season of watching from the sidelines.

All of this taught New Orleans that their Hornets have a very bright future. It also told all the other teams to watch out because they might just get stung.

2. The Race for the MVP:

This year's race for the MVP was absolutely nerve wracking and no one had an idea who it would be. There were four great franchise players all worthy of the title.

Garnett, Paul, James, and the MVP Kobe Bryant all had impressive seasons taking their teams to different heights. The title was eventually won by Kobe Bryant and was well deserved. He had great stats and also played like a leader, not like a stats kinda guy.

1. A Match Made in Heaven:

The Lakers and Celtics will be going to the NBA Finals in result of great moves and play. These two teams have given a new chapter to the Celtic/Laker rivalry.

This series, just like the ones of the past, promises to be full of great perfomances and great play. Boston's Big Three of KG, Pierce, and Allen will have to outperform the trio of Kobe, Pau, and Odom.

This series gives all fans a chance to witness a great rivalry taken to an even higher level.