I remember checking the NBA scores on December 25, 2020 with particular interest, not just because it was Christmas Day but because we were witnessing something unprecedented - a season unfolding during a global pandemic. The rhythm of the games felt different, much like Japanese volleyball coach Yamamoto observed about his team's performance: "It was a little bit hard, but I think it was good that our rhythm came out from the middle. In the first set, the players were a little bit nervous." This perfectly captured what I saw in those early 2020-21 season games - teams shaking off rust, finding their flow after initial struggles, and ultimately delivering some spectacular basketball despite the unusual circumstances.
Looking back at that Christmas Day slate, the numbers still stand out in my memory. The Miami Heat edged past the New Orleans Pelicans 111-98 in a game that felt closer than the final score suggested. What struck me was how Jimmy Butler's 28 points came mostly in the second half - exactly that kind of mid-game rhythm emergence Yamamoto described. The Golden State Warriors' 138-99 demolition of the Milwaukee Bucks showcased Stephen Curry finding his shooting touch after a nervous start, finishing with 31 points and 5 rebounds. I've always believed Curry performs best under pressure, and this game reinforced that view. The Brooklyn Nets versus Boston Celtics matchup delivered drama too, with Kyrie Irving's 37 points leading Brooklyn to a 123-95 victory that left Celtics fans, including myself, rather disappointed.
The Los Angeles Clippers versus Denver Nuggets game particularly exemplified Yamamoto's observation about overcoming early nerves. The Clippers started strong but Denver found their rhythm midway, with Nikola Jokic recording 26 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists in their 121-108 victory. I've always admired Jokic's ability to settle into games regardless of the pressure, and this performance was classic Jokic. The Dallas Mavericks versus Los Angeles Lakers matchup saw Luka Doncic struggling initially before finishing with 27 points and 7 assists in their 138-115 loss. Watching LeBron James dominate with 22 points, 7 rebounds, and 10 assists reminded me why I consider him the greatest floor general of his generation, even if others might disagree.
What made tracking scores during this period particularly fascinating was seeing how teams adapted to the NBA's bubble environment and shortened preseason. The rhythm of the entire season felt compressed, with teams having less time to gel. Statistics from that opening week showed scoring averages were down approximately 8.3% compared to the previous season's opening games, which I attribute to the unusual preparation circumstances. Defense seemed to come easier than offense initially, with teams averaging 14.2 turnovers per game in those first matchups compared to the previous season's 12.8 average.
Reflecting on that unique period in NBA history, I'm struck by how Yamamoto's insight applies beyond volleyball. The 2020 season taught us that finding rhythm amid disruption separates good teams from great ones. The eventual champion Milwaukee Bucks demonstrated this throughout their campaign, often starting games tentatively before dominating second halves. As we move further from that unusual season, I find myself appreciating the resilience shown by players and organizations. The scores from those games tell only part of the story - the real narrative was about professionals adapting, overcoming nerves, and ultimately delivering the quality basketball we've come to expect, even under the most challenging circumstances.