Basketball is a sport centered on power.
Physical ability is king and the higher you jump, the faster you run and the more punishment you can take will determine your ability to dominate the game. But to get all of this power you need the right kind of muscles.
Players, especially younger players, are oblivious to the fact that there are 3 different kinds of skeletal muscle in the human body - all of which have different properties and uses.
Type 1 muscles are the muscles that long distance runners try to develop because this kind of muscle is good at putting a constant amount of power out for a long time.
Type 2b muscles are the muscles that basketball players should be looking to develop. This kind of muscle is used for movements that last only a few moments but that are explosively powerful like sprinting and jumping.
There is also another type of muscle - Type 2a - which is the most interesting muscle type because it is this muscle that has properties of both type 1 and type 2b. It can also be influenced to become more like either muscle by targeting training techniques.
Basketball players should be concentrating on developing mostly type 2b muscles because these are the ones that are used for basically every movement on the basketball court. Training these muscles is done by looking at what kind of movements this muscle type is used for then overloading the stimulus for this type of muscle to work.
This essentially means that to train your 'power type' muscles you need to do low rep - high intensity training. By doing this you specifically target the type 2b muscles because this is the type of movement they are meant for. Type 1 muscles are not really used to capacity here because the stimulus is too great and so they are of nearly no use.
A simple example of such training is squats. By doing only 5 squats but doing them with an overload of weight we specifically target the type 2 muscles. Less reps means that the type 1 muscles are not needed because the training is power training and not stamina training.
By doing this type of training another thing happens - type 2a muscles are starting to transform into type 2b muscles. As this happens the percentage of quick twitch (type 2b) to slow twitch (type 1) increases.
It is this ratio increase that will allow you to become a player with muscles better suited to the sport you love - basketball.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Daniel
Friday, January 30, 2009
3 Tips to Help You Play Like Kobe
Kobe Bryant is definitely the best player in the NBA at this moment. Without a doubt.
His offensive skills are amazing. He can hit any shot at any location on the court at any given moment. And it's not just his offensive skills. He has the right mental preparation and state to know what's going on the court while he's on defense. He knows how to position himself well so he knows how to steal the ball.
After watching Kobe play, I think to myself, "Wow. I dream of playing just like him." I'm sure that you would want to play like him also.
Kobe has a certain style when he plays, and I know what kind of style that is. So I'll give you three simple tips on how you can improve you game, and play the way Kobe Bryant plays.
1. Practice Your Fade away
The way Kobe can score points is by creating space between his guard. He probably has the greatest fade away shot since Michael Jordan.
Keep in mind when practicing your fade away, to always square up to the hoop when you are at the peak of your jump. The source of the power from your shot is from your wrist action, so remember to your wrist to get that ball in the hoop.
2. Know How to Drive to the Hoop Efficiently
Kobe can get easy baskets by beating his opponent and driving to the basket.The first step to driving to the basket is by getting past your opponent. Do this by doing a simple jab step or crossover. Then explode to the hoop, but be aware that there are probably help defenders that will come upon you.
An important thing when driving to the hoop is to not be afraid. Be confident and keep on moving aggressively to the hoop. Be smart and make the right decisions. Don't throw up a bad shot. Instead dish it off to an open teammate.
3. Be Aware
The reason why Kobe Bryant is so amazing, is because he has a high awareness of what's going on in the court. He knows exactly where to be at the right time. Awareness is essential to any basketball player because you can predict what will happen in a certain situation before it even happens. This helps especially when you are on defense.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_Manguba
His offensive skills are amazing. He can hit any shot at any location on the court at any given moment. And it's not just his offensive skills. He has the right mental preparation and state to know what's going on the court while he's on defense. He knows how to position himself well so he knows how to steal the ball.
After watching Kobe play, I think to myself, "Wow. I dream of playing just like him." I'm sure that you would want to play like him also.
Kobe has a certain style when he plays, and I know what kind of style that is. So I'll give you three simple tips on how you can improve you game, and play the way Kobe Bryant plays.
1. Practice Your Fade away
The way Kobe can score points is by creating space between his guard. He probably has the greatest fade away shot since Michael Jordan.
Keep in mind when practicing your fade away, to always square up to the hoop when you are at the peak of your jump. The source of the power from your shot is from your wrist action, so remember to your wrist to get that ball in the hoop.
2. Know How to Drive to the Hoop Efficiently
Kobe can get easy baskets by beating his opponent and driving to the basket.The first step to driving to the basket is by getting past your opponent. Do this by doing a simple jab step or crossover. Then explode to the hoop, but be aware that there are probably help defenders that will come upon you.
An important thing when driving to the hoop is to not be afraid. Be confident and keep on moving aggressively to the hoop. Be smart and make the right decisions. Don't throw up a bad shot. Instead dish it off to an open teammate.
3. Be Aware
The reason why Kobe Bryant is so amazing, is because he has a high awareness of what's going on in the court. He knows exactly where to be at the right time. Awareness is essential to any basketball player because you can predict what will happen in a certain situation before it even happens. This helps especially when you are on defense.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_Manguba
2008 Top Ten Teams in the NBA
Here is my list of the top ten teams in the NBA 2008-09. season.
1. Boston Celtics: The returning championship team, these guys now know what it takes to get to the finals and come out victorious. Their record so far is just as impressive, they are 20-2. They could break the Chicago Bulls record of 72-10 if they keep up that pace. Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Rondo, Allen, Cassell, so much talent it's unbelievable.
2. Cleveland Cavaliers: Lebron James is hungry for a championship ring. Whether he does it with Cleveland, or eventually New York, he will eventually get one. He has that essence that Jordan had where you knew he would accomplish his goals. He has more talent around him this year and is doing very well. He is averaging 26.7 points a game right now. Lebron deserves his first MVP this year as his team would be 4-16 without him most likely at this point.
3. L.A. Lakers: What better rival to Boston than L.A.? It carries on the legacy of guys like Larry Bird and Magic Johnson among others. These guys are looking just as hard to beat as last year if not more. Kobe Bryant and Andrew Bynum are playing stellar this year. Their record is 17-3 and they are on a good pace to possible break the 72-10 mark as well. Kobe is averaging 24.9 points and might get MVP again.
4. Denver Nuggets: Now that they have Chauncey Billups they seem more revitalized. They play transition offense and defense much better and get the key plays. Clutch shooting is no problem now that Billups is here to save them. They could make one of their deepest playoff runs ever this year.
5. Portland Trailblazers: Talk about young talent. They have Brandon Roy, Greg Oden, LaMarcus Aldrige, Steve Blake, and Channing Frye. That is probably the youngest team I've seen in a while. While it will take time for Oden to develop and harness his skills, this team is an all out threat. Brandon Roy is having one of his best seasons averaging 20 points a game.
6. Orlando Magic: Dwight Howard is trying to end the season with the highest average of rebounds a game. Oh yeah he already is achieving that for the most part. He is getting 21 point and 14.5 rebounds per game. He is a player every team would love to have. On top of that they have Rashard Lewis, a big threat all around, as well as Turkoglu who can drain if from three land whenever he is called upon.
7. New Orleans Hornets: Now that they have some playoff experience, watch out! With a deadly guard in Chris Paul and a terrific finisher in Tyson Chandler the Hornets will hurt you everywhere. They also have Peja Stojakovic for when they need a clutch three. They are lacking in front court depth and don't have the best back up for Chris Paul. Other than that they look to do some more damage this year in the post season.
8. Houston Rockets: Talk about great depth, Tracy McGrady is hurt again, yet that doesn't stop the Rockets. They are 14-8 so far. They are definitely a sleeper team that could shock a lot of people. I know it sounds cliche but once Yao Ming and T-Mac are back in force, it will be on for the race in the SouthWest division.
9. Dallas Mavericks: A very rocky start for the Mavericks, but they are starting to turn it around. They are beating the teams that they should so far. But they need to show they can beat the Cavs, Lakers, and Celtics of the NBA world. Cause if they don't, making the playoffs really won't matter if you lose in round one again.
10. San Antonio Spurs: Losing Tony Parker was a big blow to the team earlier in the season. They are fighting back now that they have him, and have a 12-8 record so far which is on par for the upper ten percent of teams. Parker is still not his old self just yet as his stats are way below his norm.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Clarke_Baldwin
1. Boston Celtics: The returning championship team, these guys now know what it takes to get to the finals and come out victorious. Their record so far is just as impressive, they are 20-2. They could break the Chicago Bulls record of 72-10 if they keep up that pace. Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Rondo, Allen, Cassell, so much talent it's unbelievable.
2. Cleveland Cavaliers: Lebron James is hungry for a championship ring. Whether he does it with Cleveland, or eventually New York, he will eventually get one. He has that essence that Jordan had where you knew he would accomplish his goals. He has more talent around him this year and is doing very well. He is averaging 26.7 points a game right now. Lebron deserves his first MVP this year as his team would be 4-16 without him most likely at this point.
3. L.A. Lakers: What better rival to Boston than L.A.? It carries on the legacy of guys like Larry Bird and Magic Johnson among others. These guys are looking just as hard to beat as last year if not more. Kobe Bryant and Andrew Bynum are playing stellar this year. Their record is 17-3 and they are on a good pace to possible break the 72-10 mark as well. Kobe is averaging 24.9 points and might get MVP again.
4. Denver Nuggets: Now that they have Chauncey Billups they seem more revitalized. They play transition offense and defense much better and get the key plays. Clutch shooting is no problem now that Billups is here to save them. They could make one of their deepest playoff runs ever this year.
5. Portland Trailblazers: Talk about young talent. They have Brandon Roy, Greg Oden, LaMarcus Aldrige, Steve Blake, and Channing Frye. That is probably the youngest team I've seen in a while. While it will take time for Oden to develop and harness his skills, this team is an all out threat. Brandon Roy is having one of his best seasons averaging 20 points a game.
6. Orlando Magic: Dwight Howard is trying to end the season with the highest average of rebounds a game. Oh yeah he already is achieving that for the most part. He is getting 21 point and 14.5 rebounds per game. He is a player every team would love to have. On top of that they have Rashard Lewis, a big threat all around, as well as Turkoglu who can drain if from three land whenever he is called upon.
7. New Orleans Hornets: Now that they have some playoff experience, watch out! With a deadly guard in Chris Paul and a terrific finisher in Tyson Chandler the Hornets will hurt you everywhere. They also have Peja Stojakovic for when they need a clutch three. They are lacking in front court depth and don't have the best back up for Chris Paul. Other than that they look to do some more damage this year in the post season.
8. Houston Rockets: Talk about great depth, Tracy McGrady is hurt again, yet that doesn't stop the Rockets. They are 14-8 so far. They are definitely a sleeper team that could shock a lot of people. I know it sounds cliche but once Yao Ming and T-Mac are back in force, it will be on for the race in the SouthWest division.
9. Dallas Mavericks: A very rocky start for the Mavericks, but they are starting to turn it around. They are beating the teams that they should so far. But they need to show they can beat the Cavs, Lakers, and Celtics of the NBA world. Cause if they don't, making the playoffs really won't matter if you lose in round one again.
10. San Antonio Spurs: Losing Tony Parker was a big blow to the team earlier in the season. They are fighting back now that they have him, and have a 12-8 record so far which is on par for the upper ten percent of teams. Parker is still not his old self just yet as his stats are way below his norm.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Clarke_Baldwin
Thursday, January 8, 2009
The Golden State Warriors Continue to Battle Their Way Back to the NBA Finals
Today, the Golden State Warriors are somewhat of an enigma. Why does their name represent an entire state? Who are the "Warriors" to which their name refers? Have they ever won an NBA championship? Like other NBA teams, the Warriors have a storied history, and one that is definitely worth telling.
Where did the name "Warriors" originate? The NBA team inherited its name from a former ABL squad, the Philadelphia Warriors.
The Warriors made their NBA debut during the 1962-1963 season, though their former name was the San Francisco Warriors. Their team featured Wilt Chamberlain, arguably one of the top NBA players of all time. Nevertheless, the Warriors watched the playoffs from home, after a disappointing 31-49 season. Interestingly, the Cow Palace was the home arena of the Warriors.
Amazingly, the Warriors achieved tremendous success in just their second NBA season in San Francisco. Thanks to a solid seven-player rotation, the Warriors finished first in their Western Division, earning a record of 48-32. The Warriors outlasted the St. Louis Hawks, after battling it out in a seven-game playoff series. However, the Boston Celtics then steamrolled the Warriors in five games, for the former's sixth consecutive NBA championship.
Just three seasons later during 1966-1967, the San Francisco Warriors had another stellar season. They ended it with a 44-37 record. The Warriors quickly dismissed the Los Angeles Lakers with three consecutive wins, and then needed six games to dispose of the St. Louis Hawks again. Wilt Chamberlain played in the NBA Finals that season, but to the chagrin of the Warriors-started for the Philadelphia 76ers. The 76ers proved to be the superior team, defeating the Warriors 4-2 in the NBA Finals.
The Warriors moved from San Francisco to Oakland, before the 1971-1972 season. The team hoped to attract a larger fan base, thus alternating its name to the "Golden State" Warriors. Since 1968, California's nickname had been "The Golden State." This was due to the 1848 monumental discovery of gold in California.
Just three seasons after moving to Oakland, the Golden State Warriors struck gold. The team made some bold moves before the 1974-1975 season, which paid off. The franchise built its squad around Rick Barry, who had made the team contenders for the NBA championship. Earning a record of 48-34, the Warriors won the Pacific Division crown.
In the playoffs, the Warriors played with a gritty determination. They needed six games to eliminate the Seattle Supersonics. Then, after down 2-0 in their series against the Chicago Bulls, the Warriors battled back to win the series 4-3. Although the NBA Finals games against the Washington Bullets were tight (two games had a 1-point spread), the Warriors swept the Bullets in the series 4-0.
Though lacking the broad following of other NBA teams, the Golden State Warriors have remained a solid team throughout their history, making three trips to the NBA's championship series. Use Golden State Warriors merchandise to cheer on the Warriors as they continue to battle their way back to the NBA Finals!
Rick Grantham is an avid sports fan. Most of Rick's articles focus on golden state warriors merchandise. Many articles are related to nba collectables and other sports related topics. Rick is a contributing author to BooYah Village
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rick_Grantham
Where did the name "Warriors" originate? The NBA team inherited its name from a former ABL squad, the Philadelphia Warriors.
The Warriors made their NBA debut during the 1962-1963 season, though their former name was the San Francisco Warriors. Their team featured Wilt Chamberlain, arguably one of the top NBA players of all time. Nevertheless, the Warriors watched the playoffs from home, after a disappointing 31-49 season. Interestingly, the Cow Palace was the home arena of the Warriors.
Amazingly, the Warriors achieved tremendous success in just their second NBA season in San Francisco. Thanks to a solid seven-player rotation, the Warriors finished first in their Western Division, earning a record of 48-32. The Warriors outlasted the St. Louis Hawks, after battling it out in a seven-game playoff series. However, the Boston Celtics then steamrolled the Warriors in five games, for the former's sixth consecutive NBA championship.
Just three seasons later during 1966-1967, the San Francisco Warriors had another stellar season. They ended it with a 44-37 record. The Warriors quickly dismissed the Los Angeles Lakers with three consecutive wins, and then needed six games to dispose of the St. Louis Hawks again. Wilt Chamberlain played in the NBA Finals that season, but to the chagrin of the Warriors-started for the Philadelphia 76ers. The 76ers proved to be the superior team, defeating the Warriors 4-2 in the NBA Finals.
The Warriors moved from San Francisco to Oakland, before the 1971-1972 season. The team hoped to attract a larger fan base, thus alternating its name to the "Golden State" Warriors. Since 1968, California's nickname had been "The Golden State." This was due to the 1848 monumental discovery of gold in California.
Just three seasons after moving to Oakland, the Golden State Warriors struck gold. The team made some bold moves before the 1974-1975 season, which paid off. The franchise built its squad around Rick Barry, who had made the team contenders for the NBA championship. Earning a record of 48-34, the Warriors won the Pacific Division crown.
In the playoffs, the Warriors played with a gritty determination. They needed six games to eliminate the Seattle Supersonics. Then, after down 2-0 in their series against the Chicago Bulls, the Warriors battled back to win the series 4-3. Although the NBA Finals games against the Washington Bullets were tight (two games had a 1-point spread), the Warriors swept the Bullets in the series 4-0.
Though lacking the broad following of other NBA teams, the Golden State Warriors have remained a solid team throughout their history, making three trips to the NBA's championship series. Use Golden State Warriors merchandise to cheer on the Warriors as they continue to battle their way back to the NBA Finals!
Rick Grantham is an avid sports fan. Most of Rick's articles focus on golden state warriors merchandise. Many articles are related to nba collectables and other sports related topics. Rick is a contributing author to BooYah Village
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rick_Grantham
The Detroit Pistons Have Been Racing Towards the NBA Finals Since 1957
Many of us remember the Pistons of the late 1980s and the first half of the new millennium. However, the Pistons have had quite a storied history, since their emergence as an NBA professional basketball team, in 1957.
Before the Pistons moved to Detroit in 1957, they called Fort Wayne, Indiana, their hometown. The Pistons had represented Fort Wayne for 16 seasons. Ironically, when the Pistons moved to Detroit, they had moved to planet Earth's capital for automobile manufacturing. Thus, "Pistons" seemed quite appropriate. As a side note, the team was originally named the Pistons in honor of Fred Zollner, its founder. Zollner owned Zollner Machine Works, which manufactured (you guessed it) pistons!
Amazingly, the Detroit Pistons performed quite well during their premiere season. They finished the season with a 33-39 record. In the playoffs, the Pistons faced the Cincinnati Royals, and won the series 2-0. However, the Pistons lost the Western Conference Finals to the St. Louis Hawks.
The Pistons have achieved much success throughout the history of the franchise. They have been Division Champions nine times, have played in 13 Conference Finals, have participated in five NBA finals, and have become NBA champions during three different years: 1989, 1990, and 2004.
Though the Pistons have most recently reached the NBA finals in 2004 and 2005, they also played in that series in 1988, 1989, and 1990.
1987-1988 season
After losing the previous year in the Eastern Conference Finals, the Pistons had another outstanding season, earning a 54-28 record and the Central Division crown. The Pistons edged the Washington Bullets in the playoffs, with a 3-2 victory. They then easily disposed of the Chicago Bulls and the Boston Celtics. Up 3-2 in the series, the Pistons could not put away the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Finals, losing in Game 7, 108-105.
1988-1989 season
This season, the Pistons were all business. They ended the regular season with a 63-19 record, and then swept the Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks in the playoffs. They then battled it out against the Chicago Bulls in the Eastern Conference Finals, eventually winning the series 4-2. The Los Angeles Lakers got more than their feelings hurt in the NBA Finals, with the Pistons sweeping the series 4-0.
1989-1990 season
Continuing their winning ways, the Pistons ended the season with a solid 59-23 record. They trounced the Indiana Pacers and then the New York Knicks in the playoffs. The Pistons' defense then helped them to outlast the Bulls in the Eastern Finals, in seven games. In the NBA finals, the Pistons faced the Portland Trailblazers. After taking a 3-1 lead in the series, the Pistons came-from-behind to win Game 5 on the road. They were back-to-back NBA champions!
Since their first season in the NBA, a gritty will to win has fueled the Detroit Pistons' success. Although not every season has resulted in a championship ring, the Pistons have remained die-hard competitors. With the help of Detroit Pistons Merchandise, cheer on their next race to the NBA Finals!
Rick Grantham is an avid sports fan. Most of Rick's articles focus on detroit pistons merchandise. Many articles are related to nba gift and other sports related topics. Rick is a contributing author to BooYah Village
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rick_Grantham
Before the Pistons moved to Detroit in 1957, they called Fort Wayne, Indiana, their hometown. The Pistons had represented Fort Wayne for 16 seasons. Ironically, when the Pistons moved to Detroit, they had moved to planet Earth's capital for automobile manufacturing. Thus, "Pistons" seemed quite appropriate. As a side note, the team was originally named the Pistons in honor of Fred Zollner, its founder. Zollner owned Zollner Machine Works, which manufactured (you guessed it) pistons!
Amazingly, the Detroit Pistons performed quite well during their premiere season. They finished the season with a 33-39 record. In the playoffs, the Pistons faced the Cincinnati Royals, and won the series 2-0. However, the Pistons lost the Western Conference Finals to the St. Louis Hawks.
The Pistons have achieved much success throughout the history of the franchise. They have been Division Champions nine times, have played in 13 Conference Finals, have participated in five NBA finals, and have become NBA champions during three different years: 1989, 1990, and 2004.
Though the Pistons have most recently reached the NBA finals in 2004 and 2005, they also played in that series in 1988, 1989, and 1990.
1987-1988 season
After losing the previous year in the Eastern Conference Finals, the Pistons had another outstanding season, earning a 54-28 record and the Central Division crown. The Pistons edged the Washington Bullets in the playoffs, with a 3-2 victory. They then easily disposed of the Chicago Bulls and the Boston Celtics. Up 3-2 in the series, the Pistons could not put away the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Finals, losing in Game 7, 108-105.
1988-1989 season
This season, the Pistons were all business. They ended the regular season with a 63-19 record, and then swept the Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks in the playoffs. They then battled it out against the Chicago Bulls in the Eastern Conference Finals, eventually winning the series 4-2. The Los Angeles Lakers got more than their feelings hurt in the NBA Finals, with the Pistons sweeping the series 4-0.
1989-1990 season
Continuing their winning ways, the Pistons ended the season with a solid 59-23 record. They trounced the Indiana Pacers and then the New York Knicks in the playoffs. The Pistons' defense then helped them to outlast the Bulls in the Eastern Finals, in seven games. In the NBA finals, the Pistons faced the Portland Trailblazers. After taking a 3-1 lead in the series, the Pistons came-from-behind to win Game 5 on the road. They were back-to-back NBA champions!
Since their first season in the NBA, a gritty will to win has fueled the Detroit Pistons' success. Although not every season has resulted in a championship ring, the Pistons have remained die-hard competitors. With the help of Detroit Pistons Merchandise, cheer on their next race to the NBA Finals!
Rick Grantham is an avid sports fan. Most of Rick's articles focus on detroit pistons merchandise. Many articles are related to nba gift and other sports related topics. Rick is a contributing author to BooYah Village
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rick_Grantham
The Denver Nuggets Keep Going For the Gold of an NBA Finals Trophy
Since the 1976-1977 NBA season, the Denver Nuggets have been digging for gold. That gold is the NBA Finals trophy. The Nuggets have indeed achieved success in the NBA playoffs. They have appeared in the playoffs 19 times, have been Division Champions on five occasions, and have even reached the NBA Conference Finals twice. However, throughout their history they have continued to go for the gold.
How did the name "Nuggets" become good as gold? Before they were the Denver Nuggets, people referred to them as the Denver Rockets. "Nuggets" alludes to the gold mining industry, around which people built the city of Denver. Speaking of Denver, here are some interesting facts about the city:
• Year founded: 1858
• Year incorporated: 1861
• Elevation: 5,280 feet
• Average yearly snowfall: 55.4 inches
• Major injuries: communications, transportation, utilities
Getting back to the Denver Nuggets history, the team formerly existed as the Denver Rockets, from 1967-1974. Then prior to the 1974-1975 season, the Rockets transformed into the Nuggets. This honored Denver's first professional basketball team, which had played in the young NBA until 1950.
After the American Basketball Association folded in 1976, the new Denver Nuggets played their first NBA game on October 22, 1976. Unlike the other three ABA teams that joined the NBA, the Nuggets had a golden year. In fact, with a record of 50-32, the Nuggets ended their premiere NBA season at the top of the Midwest Division. However, the Portland Trailblazers would eliminate the Nuggets in the playoffs, by winning their series 4-2.
During the 1977-1978 season, the Nuggets achieved even greater success in just their second season in the NBA. Once again, the Nuggets earned the Midwest Division Title, ending the season with a 48-34 record. This year, however, the Nuggets won their first playoff series. They battled it out with the Milwaukee Bucks, finally defeating them in seven games. However, the Nuggets were unable to reach the NBA Finals, losing in the Western Conference Finals to the Milwaukee Bucks. The Bucks won the series 4-2.
During the next six seasons, the Denver Nuggets reached the playoffs four times. However, they would not match their 1977-1978 playoff success until the 1984-1985 season. The Nuggets made some bold and wise trades before the first jump-ball of the season. They finished the season with a commendable 52-30 record, and again won the Midwest Division of the NBA. The Nuggets first defeated the San Antonio Spurs with a 3-2 series win, and then demolished the Utah Jazz with a 4-1 series victory. However, the Nuggets lost to the Los Angeles Lakers 4-1, in the Western Conference Finals.
After the 1984-1985 season, the Nuggets were division champions again in 1988 and 2006. Unfortunately for Nuggets fans, they lost in their second and first series of the playoffs, respectfully. A return to the Western Conference Finals remained elusive.
The Denver Nuggets continue to go for the gold-NBA Finals gold, that is. Cheer them on with Denver Nuggets merchandise, as they mine for the greatest NBA nugget of all!
Rick Grantham is an avid sports fan. Most of Rick's articles focus on denver nuggets merchandise. Many articles are related to nba merchandise and other sports related topics. Rick is a contributing author to BooYah Village.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rick_Grantham
How did the name "Nuggets" become good as gold? Before they were the Denver Nuggets, people referred to them as the Denver Rockets. "Nuggets" alludes to the gold mining industry, around which people built the city of Denver. Speaking of Denver, here are some interesting facts about the city:
• Year founded: 1858
• Year incorporated: 1861
• Elevation: 5,280 feet
• Average yearly snowfall: 55.4 inches
• Major injuries: communications, transportation, utilities
Getting back to the Denver Nuggets history, the team formerly existed as the Denver Rockets, from 1967-1974. Then prior to the 1974-1975 season, the Rockets transformed into the Nuggets. This honored Denver's first professional basketball team, which had played in the young NBA until 1950.
After the American Basketball Association folded in 1976, the new Denver Nuggets played their first NBA game on October 22, 1976. Unlike the other three ABA teams that joined the NBA, the Nuggets had a golden year. In fact, with a record of 50-32, the Nuggets ended their premiere NBA season at the top of the Midwest Division. However, the Portland Trailblazers would eliminate the Nuggets in the playoffs, by winning their series 4-2.
During the 1977-1978 season, the Nuggets achieved even greater success in just their second season in the NBA. Once again, the Nuggets earned the Midwest Division Title, ending the season with a 48-34 record. This year, however, the Nuggets won their first playoff series. They battled it out with the Milwaukee Bucks, finally defeating them in seven games. However, the Nuggets were unable to reach the NBA Finals, losing in the Western Conference Finals to the Milwaukee Bucks. The Bucks won the series 4-2.
During the next six seasons, the Denver Nuggets reached the playoffs four times. However, they would not match their 1977-1978 playoff success until the 1984-1985 season. The Nuggets made some bold and wise trades before the first jump-ball of the season. They finished the season with a commendable 52-30 record, and again won the Midwest Division of the NBA. The Nuggets first defeated the San Antonio Spurs with a 3-2 series win, and then demolished the Utah Jazz with a 4-1 series victory. However, the Nuggets lost to the Los Angeles Lakers 4-1, in the Western Conference Finals.
After the 1984-1985 season, the Nuggets were division champions again in 1988 and 2006. Unfortunately for Nuggets fans, they lost in their second and first series of the playoffs, respectfully. A return to the Western Conference Finals remained elusive.
The Denver Nuggets continue to go for the gold-NBA Finals gold, that is. Cheer them on with Denver Nuggets merchandise, as they mine for the greatest NBA nugget of all!
Rick Grantham is an avid sports fan. Most of Rick's articles focus on denver nuggets merchandise. Many articles are related to nba merchandise and other sports related topics. Rick is a contributing author to BooYah Village.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rick_Grantham
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