The Bill Simmons Podcast Week 1 NBA Notes. Plus, NBA Then and Now With Jackie MacMullan and Bob Ryan
Dec 30, 2020
Jackie MacMullan, a veteran sports journalist at ESPN, teams up with Bob Ryan, a legendary columnist for The Boston Globe, to dive into the NBA's evolution from the 1960s to now. They discuss the impact of a shortened season and travel quirks, while reflecting on unforgettable moments and players like Bill Russell. The duo shares insights on the Celtics' near misses for championships and the changing dynamics of player interactions with media, all while reminiscing about the NBA's golden era.
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Chamberlain's 52-Point Game
- Bob Ryan recalls witnessing Wilt Chamberlain score 52 points in a doubleheader.
- Chamberlain missed 22 free throws, setting an NBA record, while playing against the Supersonics.
Celtics vs. Lakers, 1973
- Bill Simmons recalls a previous conversation with Bob Ryan about the 1973 NBA Finals.
- Ryan effortlessly recounted the Celtics' record against the Lakers that year and Cowens's performance.
Lakers' 2020 Title
- The 2020 Lakers' title is legitimate due to the extraordinary and equalizing circumstances of the bubble.
- The bubble demanded exceptional mental and physical resilience, and the Lakers demonstrated both.