NBA Finals: An Extraordinary Finish

By Yumin Kim

Palos Verdes Peninsula High School

With the unorthodox and unprecedented NBA season finishing out in a ‘bubble’ at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, many may believe that this year’s championship title will not be as important or honorable as past years -- that it just doesn’t feel special. However, many factors make this year’s championship title even more coveted and something impossible to replicate. Here’s why. 

With the COVID-19 pandemic spiking in the United States, players are constantly worried for not only their own health, but for their loved ones back home. As 2019 NBA Most Valuable Player Giannis Antetokounmpo said, per ESPN, “[n]obody wants to put themselves in risk out there … but for sure, I think me, my teammates, my family -- especially my mom -- everybody has concerns about our health, and my health.” Staying focused in the playoffs is difficult enough for all NBA players; having to worry everyday about their health is going to take a toll on their mindset throughout the remainder of the season. 

In addition to the pandemic, the outcries of protests for racial injustice has affected a majority of NBA players. According to Interbasket, as of June 15, 2020, 81.1% of

NBA players are African-American. With the current status of African-Americans in the United States today, the protesting and advocating for Black lives will serve as another distraction to players in their playoff run. Further, it may be a chip on many players’ shoulders to play even harder to show the public what the African-American community is capable of, ultimately making competition more difficult. This movement has induced many players to wear jerseys that have social injustice messages, such as “Black Lives Matter”, “I Can’t Breathe”, “Peace”, and “Equality.” 

Pandemic and racial injustice movement aside, coming back to play basketball after 3-4 months in quarantine is no easy task. Yes, these players are professionals that are paid millions to play basketball, but from my past experience as a basketball player for 10 years, even taking a week long break causes me to lose my shooting touch. Having to quickly readjust to the fast nature of the game will push players to the edge: which will prove that this year’s champion is truly worthy. 

With all of these factors to consider, winning a world championship in the NBA bubble this year will be extraordinary and one to remember forever.