Is the 2020 NBA Championship legitimate enough not to have an asterisk put beside it?
As COVID-19 continues to cast its looming shadow on the world we live in, there is a new normal with regards to rules and regulations in everything we do. The 2020 NBA championship had survived to tell its story.
After the pandemic caused the regular NBA season to come to a halt, no one knew what to expect for the following months. No congregation was allowed, which meant no fans to attend the games. The fast evolving nature of the virus and seemingly high fatality rate worldwide really put everything into perspective. Sports had to take a back seat.
Thankfully, under the great stewardship of NBA commissioner Adam Silver, the NBA created the bubble format at Disney World, armed with strict rules on social distancing and quick viral testing. Some players chose to give it a miss due to various reasons.
The LA Lakers won the title after defeating the Miami Heat 4-2. As the weeks went by, there was a narrative online that hinted that an asterisk should be placed beside their win. The argument was that some players were not used to the “controlled” living conditions and lifestyle. Some pointed out that the lack of travelling disadvantaged teams with vociferous home fans. A few even mentioned that player injuries derailed the level of competition. LeBron James and his teammates stayed in the bubble for more than 90 days to secure the Championship. Their focus and desire to last the distance should be applauded. Before the season disruption, the Lakers held the best record in the West, so they too had to adapt to playing with virtual fans in the background. Injuries? Isn’t that part of all sports?
Some people, especially in the business of NBA, excel in asking questions. Constantly. Daily even. Without reflecting on the suitability of the questions and more importantly, can you handle the truth. Why ask questions when the truth sits right in front of you, just because it does not sit well with your projected eronous hope of an answer. Denial is set as default. This unfortunate phenomenon applies to many NBA teams and individuals. For every champion at the apex, the base of the pyramid is filled with perennial underachievers whose steady diet of daily excuses make them only good at one action. Looking up at the coronation of the champion. 2020 NBA Champions LA Lakers. With no asterisk.