In 1979, basketball wasn't dead, but it was on life support.
The games were, for the most part, lifeless. For every Julius Erving, George Gervin, and David Thompson, there were a hundred other players that couldn't shoot straight.
The college game was more entertaining to watch.
Something had to change for the pro game. Sometimes change occurs slowly over time, but for the game of professional basketball, that was headed to dullsville fast, the change came quick. It was a sudden jolt, a quick left turn, that was obvious to everyone watching the Lakers season opener in the 1979-1980 season.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had the ball near the free-throw line. He swung to the left, elevated, and shot to the right. The classic Kareem skyhook went in for the buzzer beater, giving the Lakers game one of the season.
It's always nice to win. It's always nice to win the season opener. It's cool when its on a buzzer beater. Kareem was no doubt ready to accept a high five or two. Maybe a chest bump and a point up to the crowd at most. He was not expecting over the top exuberance over a regular season game.
No one was; but it ...
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NBA
Article written by Jose Salviati
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