As the NBA Finals heat up, millions of fans around the world are tuning in to watch their favorite teams battle it out for the championship title. However, amidst all the excitement and anticipation, there is one aspect of this year’s Finals that has been receiving a lot of criticism – the design of the court.
Many fans have taken to social media to express their disappointment with the court design, with some even going as far as calling it “boring” and “uninspired”. The main issue seems to be the absence of the Larry O’Brien trophy, which has been a staple on the court for previous Finals.
In response to these complaints, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver recently gave a major update about the on-court decals for the Finals. In a statement, Silver explained that due to the unique circumstances of this year’s playoffs, the league had to make some adjustments to the court design.
“With the playoffs taking place in the Orlando bubble and the absence of fans in the arena, we had to make some changes to the court design for safety reasons,” Silver said. “We understand that this may have disappointed some fans, but the safety and well-being of our players and staff is our top priority.”
While it is understandable that the NBA had to make changes to the court design for safety reasons, it is also important to note that this year’s Finals are unlike any other in the league’s history. The players are playing in a controlled environment, away from their families and loved ones, and without the energy and support of their fans in the arena.
In light of these circumstances, it is commendable that the NBA has been able to create a safe and successful environment for the playoffs to take place. The league has gone above and beyond to ensure the safety of everyone involved, and the players have put on an incredible show for fans despite the challenges they have faced.
Furthermore, the absence of the Larry O’Brien trophy on the court does not take away from the significance of the Finals. The trophy will still be awarded to the winning team, and the players will have the same sense of accomplishment and pride in lifting it.
It is also worth mentioning that the court design for this year’s Finals is not entirely devoid of any symbolism. The “Black Lives Matter” message is prominently displayed on the court, serving as a powerful reminder of the ongoing fight for racial equality and social justice.
In a time where sports have taken a backseat to more pressing issues, the NBA has used its platform to bring attention to important social causes. The league has shown its commitment to using its influence for good, and the court design for the Finals is a reflection of that.
In conclusion, while some fans may have complaints about the court design for this year’s NBA Finals, it is important to remember the bigger picture. The league has done an incredible job of navigating through unprecedented challenges to bring us the playoffs, and the court design is just a small part of that. Let us focus on the amazing basketball being played and appreciate the efforts of the NBA in making it all possible.
