Another year, another season, and then some. The 2014-2015 NBA season may be a few months shy from being over but we’re getting a head start on reviewing its highlights. The year’s already been packed with record-breaking plays and industry-changing moments, and while we’re sure there will be more to come, we’ve narrowed down our top 5 from this year’s NBA season—so far.
1. Russell Westbrook’s two-handed dunk: https://youtu.be/axfuXEBa-Bo
Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook has had a phenomenal season and his play against the Philadelphia 76ers is nothing short of likewise. Sprinting cross-court, in less than five seconds no less, with an effortlessly beautiful two-handed dunk to boot, one might mistake Westbrook as a track-and-field all-star, or a superhuman. Or dare we say both?
2. Lebron James’ return to Cleveland
Arguably one of the most hated players in the NBA—the other being Los Angeles Laker Kobe Bryant, according to a number of polls —Lebron James isn’t a newbie to the media’s spotlight. So when he publicly announced his return from the Miami Heat to hometown Cleveland to play in the starting lineup for the Cavaliers, the news was widely received with overwhelming popularity and mixed emotion, some good and some bad, but we’ll let you decide for yourself if you haven’t already.
3. James Harden’s ankle breaking play: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oA3OYmI9uqM
Poor Ricky Rubio. That is all.
4. Klay Thompson’s record-breaking third quarter: https://youtu.be/Sc3m3BwfylA
Klay Thompson is the Golden State Warriors’ very own golden boy having broken records after shooting an unbelievable 37 points in one quarter alone, with 52 overall, against the Sacramento Kings earlier this year. His execution is strategic, his defense is calculated and his drive, unmistakably tour-de-force.
5. Steve Nash’s official retirement from the NBA
The basketball world said it’s woeful (albeit endeared) goodbyes to one of the most valuable players of the recent generation, point guard Steve Nash of the Los Angeles Lakers. With eight All-Star titles, two MVP awards and an approachable off-court demeanor that precedes him still, Nash’s exit was marked with a heartfelt, very human essay titled “Life After Basketball” published on The Players’ Tribune [http://www.theplayerstribune.com/steve-nash-retirement/]—his retirement still reluctant by many but respected by all.
