2010-11 NBA Regular Season: Top 10 Unforgettable Moments
Each team has played 82 games.
Only 16 teams remain, and we will soon crown an NBA champion.
Some players are emptying their lockers, exit interviews are currently taking place and yet we are headed into a postseason that promises thrills, excitement and, most importantly, great basketball.
However, as we move on from the regular season, there are some moments that we cannot forget. There are moments that stood out from the rest.
Moments that are deeply embedded into our memory, which have had an impact on the season.
Here are the top 10 unforgettable NBA moments that took place over the course of the season.
N0. 10: Blake Griffin Dunks over a Car
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Blake Griffin jumps over a car.
There are some people who love this dunk while others thought it was overrated.
Regardless of how you feel about the dunk itself, the fact of the matter is that 10.4 million people tuned in for this dunk, a TNT record for the NBA All-star festivities.
There are some people who think this event was a glorified KIA commercial. There are others who were stunned by the athleticism of the dunk.
While you could question the jump, the effort, and the motives, there is one thing you cannot question: risk.
The dunk itself had a huge risk, one misstep and things could have gotten ugly. Yet, he put it all on the line for entertainment.
Kudos.
No. 9: The Sacramento Kings Fiasco
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The Sacramento Kings rumored relocation.
It seems like just yesterday we were graced with the presence of Vlade Divac, Chris Webber and Mitch Richmond, just to name a few.
The Arco Arena was once a place buzzing with excitement, as fans filled in each and every night to cheer on their team. The owners, the Maloof brothers, embraced the city and everything seemed spectacular.
This season things changed.
After failed negotiations with the city, it appears as though the Sacramento Kings will be relocated to Anaheim, as the Maloof brothers want a piece of that large market audience located in Southern California.
Shame.
No. 8: NBA Invades Europe
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The Toronto Raptors and the New Jersey Nets battled in London.
The NBA in London was a significant step towards the ideology that basketball has truly evolved into a global sport. London, a city known for its intense and devoted soccer fans, or elegant cricket fans traded it all for the two nights of basketball.
The city embraced both the Toronto Raptors and the New Jersey Nets, selling out the O2 Arena on both nights.
What is remarkable about this game is the fact that even though it was staged in London, people had traveled from all over Europe to experience the game. Fans made their way from Sweden, Denmark and Portugal, just to name a few countries, in an effort to see the Toronto Raptors and New Jersey Nets.
The NBA in London truly depicted the evolution of basketball as a globally-embraced sport.
Riveting.
No. 7: The Deron Williams Trade
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It stunned us all.
It seemed as though the Nets had been pursuing Carmelo Anthony for months. There were endless meetings that were scheduled, and the Nets were aggressive in their pursuit. The media made sure the public was informed that the Nets would do anything and everything in their power to get Carmelo Anthony.
On February 22, 2011, the Knicks traded for Carmelo Anthony.
Without any hesitation at all, on February 23, 2011, the New Jersey Nets successfully traded for Deron Williams. After months of pursuing Anthony, the Nets spent one day pursuing and acquiring Williams.
Shocking.
No. 6: Kevin Love's Double-Double Streak
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During the 1973-74 season, Elvin Hayes went 55 consecutive games with at least a double-double.
Over 25 years later, the NBA got a taste of what that streak was like. Kevin Love's 53-game streak lasted over four months and ended at the hands of the Golden State Warriors on March 13, 2011.
While the Minnesota Timberwolves did not play winning basketball, it sure was exciting watching their box score every game to see if Kevin Love was keeping the streak alive.
Four consecutive months of obtaining at least a double-double is a great feat.
Amazing.
No. 5: The Cleveland Cavs Losing Streak
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When LeBron James left for South beach, everyone knew Cleveland would have a tough time achieving the success they did with LeBron.
However, during the course of the season, the Cleveland Cavaliers went on to lose 26 consecutive games. Every team suffers setbacks and every teams benefits from a winning streak during the season.
However, 26 consecutive losses is nearly unfathomable.
Night in and night out, the Cleveland Cavs went on to lose, and as the streak progressed, the margin of defeat continuously increased. Things were finally put to an end on February 11, 2011 as the Cavs beat the Los Angeles Clippers 126-119 in overtime.
Ugly.
No. 4: The 2011 NBA All-Star Game
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Kobe leads the West.
Some see the All-Star game as a meaningless exhibition completed with great tempo and a lack of defense. While others see it as a stage where NBA players get to unleash their offensive skills in an open game and represent their conference.
There were many wondering about Kobe Bryant's health and effectiveness going into the game.
Kobe Bryant treated it like every other night.
In his own backyard, against the fierce competition of LeBron James, Dwayne Wade and Amare Stoudemire, Kobe Bryant made the floor his own, scoring 37 points, 14 rebounds and he even got to the free-throw lines eight times.
Stunning.
No. 3: The Cavs Stun the Heat
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The Cleveland Cavilers had a season of disappointment.
They lost their star player to the sunny skies of Miami. They went on to lose an NBA-record 26 consecutive games. They were embarrassed by LeBron James and the Miami Heat earlier in the season.
However, they got revenge.
After being destroyed by the Miami Heat on December 2nd, the Cavs responded with a 12-point win at home, against the Miami Heat on March 29, 2011.
The Miami Heat were out-hustled, out-skilled, and outplayed. Most importantly, the crowd joined in on the action and it was spectacular to witness.
For one night, the city of Cleveland was able to take part in the electrifying playoff atmosphere that no longer graced their city on a nightly basis.
For one night, Cleveland were winners again.
Joy.
No. 2: The Carmelo Trade
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We all saw it coming.
After months of speculation as to where Carmelo would end it, he went where he desired: New York.
It was inevitable, but it still sent shock waves around the league. Both the Denver Nuggets and the New York Knicks gutted their rosters in an effort to accommodate the trade.
While it is far too soon to tell, many are calling this the move that brings New York back to where they once were. Many believe this will restore the faith in those who live in the Mecca of basketball.
Will Madison Square Garden return to the electrifying, intense and intimidating place it was over a decade ago?
We will soon find out.
No. 1: Jerry Sloan Retires
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No one could have possible seen this one coming.
Jerry Sloan joined the Utah Jazz organization in 1988. Twenty-three years later, he abruptly retired in the middle of the season. Whatever the reasons, February 10, 2011 marked the day that the NBA took a significant loss, one that will remain this way for a long time to come.
Three days after signing a contract extension that would see Jerry Sloan coach his 24th season under the Jazz organization, he retired.
It is unimaginable picturing coach Sloan in any other setting other than the Utah Jazz sideline. Yet on February 7th, he simply stated that he had no more energy left. "I forced myself to leave" was his last words before he left the game for good.
Months later, images still appear in the minds of many fans who see Jerry Sloan in the middle of a huddle crowded with the likes of Greg Ostertag, John Stockton and Karl Malone.
It took Jerry Sloan 23 years to built a legacy. Twenty-three years to become the third coach with the most wins in the NBA.
After 23 years, the longest tenured American coach let it all go, in one second.
We miss you.
