NBA Titles

We The North. The slogan for the most successful era of Raptors' basketball was elevated to a new level with the stunning off-season acquisition of superstar Kawhi Leonard. Finally breaking through after years of knocking on the door of the Eastern Conference, the Raptors made history and brought the first championship home to Toronto since the Blue Jays in 1993. From an intriguing new coaching hire in Nick Nurse, to the Leonard trade, to a midseason addition of Marc Gasol, the 2018-2019 season was one of changing the identity of the team, building chemistry, and leading to the franchise's long-awaited first title. From making quick work of the Magic in the first round of the playoffs, to a Game 7 classic against the 76ers, to ripping off four straight wins versus the Bucks, the Raptors were destined to take down the defending champion Golden State Warriors on their way to becoming kings of the NBA. Packed with expert analysis and dynamic color photography, We The Champs: The Toronto Raptors' Historic Run to the 2019 NBA Title takes fans through the Raptors' historic and unforgettable journey, from Nurse and Leonard replacing Dwane Casey and DeMar DeRozan, to Pascal Siakam blossoming into a star, to Leonard's unbelievable four-bounce Game 7 game-winner against the 76ers. This commemorative edition also includes in-depth profiles of Leonard, Kyle Lowry, Masai Ujiri, and other fan favorites who played key roles in Toronto's extraordinary championship run.

Howard Beck. Marc Stein. Jonathan Abrams. Chris Broussard. Ira Berkow. George Vecsey. Mike Wise. Selena Roberts. Lee Jenkins. All have graced the pages of The New York Times, entertaining readers with their probing coverage of the N.B.A.: a stage on which spectacular athletes perform against a backdrop of continuous social change. Now, their work and more is collected in a new volume, edited and annotated by Hall of Fame honoree Harvey Araton, tracing basketball's sustained boom from Magic and Bird to the present.Elevated provides a courtside seat to four decades of professional basketball. Both the iconic moments and those quieter, but no less meaningful times in between are here, from Wise riding around Los Angeles with a young Kobe Bryant on the eve of his first All-Star Game, to Stein declaring Giannis Antetokounmpo's "unspeakable greatness" to the world in a riveting profile. Rather than simply preserving the past, Elevated reexamines and further illuminates hoops history. This expertly curated collection features exclusive new writing by Araton and postscripts from the original journalists, revealing candid exchanges with NBA greats that didn't make the original newspaper edit and tracing the rise of a worldwide phenomenon from a contemporary vantage point.

With traditions, records, and lore, this lively, detailed book explores the personalities, events, and facts every Jazz fan should know. It contains crucial information such as important dates, behind-the-scenes tales, memorable moments, and outstanding achievements by players like John Stockton, Karl Malone, Mehmet Okur, and Adrian Dantley. Whether you're a lifelong supporter from the early days in Salt Lake City or a more recent fan, this is the ultimate resource guide for all Jazz faithful.

In the 2018 NBA Finals, the Golden State Warriors cemented their place in basketball history by dominating LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers, and winning their third championship in four seasons. Golden Age: The Brilliance of the 2018 Champion Golden State Warriors takes fans through the memorable ride that was the 2017-2018 season, from superstar Steph Curry's perseverance through injuries, to the team sending an amazing four players to the All-Star game, to the outspokenness and unique coaching approach of Steve Kerr on their way to another NBA title. Featuring terrific coverage from Golden State of Mind's Thomas Bevilacqua and full of action-packed photos, this commemorative edition takes fans from the disappointing opening night loss against the Houston Rockets, to the Warriors ultimately triumphing over Houston in seven games in the Western Conference Finals, all the way through the moment the Dubs clinched their status as an NBA dynasty with a third title in four years. This keepsake also features in-depth stories on fan favorites Curry, Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, and more.

Metta World Peace knows what it means to be both the hero and the villain. In his 17-season professional basketball career, he's darted back and forth between extremes, taking on the roles of youthful phenom, league-wide disgrace, All-Star, unlikely international ambassador, and fan favorite. Along the way, there have been awards, teammate rifts, an NBA championship trophy, plus a name change or two. It's more than the guy born Ronald William Artest, Jr. might have imagined for himself as a kid growing up in Queens. In No Malice, World Peace speaks candidly about his life on and off the court, from his difficult upbringing, to his time as a star athlete and budding math major at St. Johns; from the infamous "Malice at the Palace" brawl in Detroit, where he earned one of the lengthiest suspensions the NBA has ever handed down, to his sunnier days as a Los Angeles Laker. World Peace also opens up on such diverse subjects as his forays into business and entertainment, the truth behind his volatile, unbelievable antics which have puzzled fans and team management alike, as well as his outspoken advocacy for mental health awareness. No topic is off the table, making this a must-read for hoops fans in Indianapolis, LA, Chicago, China, and any place in between.

Most Dallas Mavericks fans have attended a game at the American Airlines Center, marveled at Dirk Nowitzki's highlight-reel plays, and remember exactly where they were when the Mavs won the NBA Championship in 2011. But only real fans supported the team through an 11-win season, know the full story of the team coming to Dallas, and followed along every step of the way during the DeAndre Jordan fiasco. 100 Things Mavericks Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die is the ultimate resource guide for true fans of Mavs Basketball. Whether you're a die-hard fan from the days of Mark Aguirre and Rolando Blackman or a newer supporter in the Mark Cuban era, this book contains everything Mavericks fans should know, see, and do in their lifetime.

Most Oklahoma City Thunder fans have taken in a game or two at the Chesapeake Energy Arena and have cheered the team on through its string of dynamic playoff appearances. But only real fans watched the debut of a young Russell Westbrook or know the full story behind Kevin Durant's sudden "Mr. Unreliable" moniker. 100 Things Thunder Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die is the ultimate resource for true fans of the Oklahoma City Thunder. OKC sportswriter Darnell Mayberry has collected every essential piece of Thunder knowledge and trivia, as well as must-do activities, and ranks them all from 1 to 100, providing an entertaining and easy-to-follow checklist as you progress on your way to fan superstardom.

Showcasing one of professional basketball's best players, this book spotlights the life and career of hardcourt superstar LeBron James. More than just a biography, it relates James' story while also establishing his prominent place in NBA history. By examining his skills and statistics in a variety of categories and comparing him to other NBA legends—including Magic Johnson, Bill Russell, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Michael Jordan, and more—the guide makes a strong case for James as basketball's greatest. Along the way, his best and most memorable moments are revisited, from his days as a high school stand-out in Akron, to his first stint with the Cavaliers, to "The Decision" to join the Miami Heat, and the show-stopping performance in the 2016 Finals to bring an NBA title back to Cleveland. LeBron James vs. The NBA is certain to stir up lively debate and is a must-have for Cavs fans and basketball buffs alike.

Most Boston Celtics fans have taken in at least a game or two at the Garden and have watched highlights of Larry Bird in his prime. But only real fans know about Bill Russell's pregame ritual or the history of the team's parquet floors. 100 Things Celtics Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die is the ultimate resource for true fans of the Boston Celtics. Experienced sportswriter Don Hubbard has collected every essential piece of Celtics knowledge and trivia, as well as must-do activities, and ranks them all from 1 to 100, providing an entertaining and easy-to-follow checklist as you progress on your way to fan superstardom. Now updated through 2017!

Most Golden State Warriors fans have attended a game at Oracle Arena, marveled at Stephen Curry's effortless shots, and remember where they were when the team won the 2015 NBA championship. But only real fans watched all 73 wins in the 2015-16 season, know where the Warriors played when they first moved to California, or can name whom the Warriors swept in the 1975 Finals. 100 Things Warriors Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die is the ultimate resource guide for true fans of Warriors basketball. Whether you're a die-hard fan from the Run TMC days or a new supporter of Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, and Kevin Durant, this book contains everything Warriors fans should know, see, and do in their lifetime.

Oscar Robertson is known as one of the best players in NBA history, a triple-double machine who set the stage for the versatility of today's NBA superstars like LeBron James, Russell Westbrook, and Draymond Green. But The Big O's larger legacy may lie in spearheading the fight for his fellow players' financial equity and free agency, joined by fellow stars John Havlicek, Bill Bradley, Wes Unseld, and more. In Hard Labor, Sam Smith, best-selling basketball scribe emeritus and author of The Jordan Rules, unearths this incredible and untold fight for players' rights and examines the massive repercussions for the NBA and sports in the United States in the 40 years since. Diving into how "The 14" paved the way for the record-setting paydays for today's NBA players - stars and role players alike - as well as the harsh consequences faced by those involved in the lawsuit against the NBA, Hard Labor is an essential read for both NBA and sports fans alike.

Only real Cavaliers fans know what truly went into the LeBron James' "Decision," the best place to grab a burger before tipoff, or which player once left a pregame huddle to buy a hot dog from a concession stand. 100 Things Cavaliers Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die is the ultimate resource guide for true fans of Cleveland basketball. Whether you're a die-hard fan from the days of Bill Fitch or a new supporter of James, Kyrie Irving, and Kevin Love, this book contains everything Cavs fans should know, see, and do in their lifetime.

100 Things Spurs Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die is the ultimate resource guide for true fans of San Antonio basketball. Whether you're a die-hard fan from the days of George Gervin or a new supporter of Kawhi Leonard and LaMarcus Aldridge, this book contains everything Spurs fans should know, see, and do in their lifetime.

Perfect for Raptors fans who think they already know everything Most Raptors fans have attended a game at Air Canada Centre, seen highlights of a young Vince Carter, and can name each All-Star in franchise history. But only die-hards remember the first Raptors game in 1995, can tell you where they were for the 2000 NBA Dunk Contest or can name the team's "global ambassador." 100 Things Raptors Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die reveals the most critical moments and important facts about past and present players, coaches, and teams that are part of the young history that is Raptors basketball. Whether you're a die-hard fan from the Chris Bosh days or a new supporter of Kyle Lowry, this book contains everything Raptors fans should know, see, and do in their lifetime.

Strength in Numbers. The Warriors' 2014-2015 slogan fit this championship team to a T. While they were spearheaded by NBA MVP Stephen Curry, it took a true team effort and display of depth to claim their first NBA title in four decades. Buoyed by a dominant regular season in which they won a league-leading 67 games, the Warriors throttled the NBA with an explosive yet precise offense and a versatile and stingy defense. They cruised through the first three rounds of the playoffs, only losing three games as they dispatched the Pelicans, Grizzlies and Rockets, setting up a dream NBA Finals matchup with LeBron James and the Cavaliers, where coach Steve Kerr's team overcame a 2-1 series deficit to defeat Cleveland in six games.  Packed with unmatched analysis and dynamic color photography from the Bay Area's largest newspaper publisher, Golden Boys takes fans through the Warriors' historic journey, from Steve Kerr taking over as head coach to Klay Thompson's red-hot 37-point quarter to Stephen Curry's MVP brilliance to the final horn sounding in Cleveland. This commemorative edition also includes in-depth profiles of Curry, Kerr, Thompson, breakout star Draymond Green, gritty defender Andrew Bogut, rising talent Harrison Barnes and other fan favorites.