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The NBA marked history in 1946 under the name Basketball Association of America. After the merger with rival National Basketball League pushed through in 1949, the name changed to the National Basketball Association we know today.
With only fourteen teams in 1949, NBA suffered from lack of national spotlight, which resulted in bringing down the teams to eight by 1954. To gain popularity, the NBA changed its rules, adding the three-point-line and 24-second shot clock. Unfortunately, these changes didn't affect the league's popularity; but thanks to basketball superstars Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, who both joined NBA in 1979, NBA gained its much-deserved attention and became the top professional basketball league in the US. Since then, the popularity of the NBA evolved into pop American culture.
Michael Jordan, one of the best basketball players of all time, magnetized thousands of fans not only in America, but also around the world. NBA experienced a massive increase in popularity as witnessed in ticket sales and TV viewership. Today, the league continues to produce great players like Dwayne Wade, LeBron James and Carmello Anthony, among others.
Last season, the NBA 2007 Finals featured two of the best teams in the league – the Cleveland Cavaliers and the San Antonio Spurs – in an action-filled battle to be dubbed as champs. With players like Ginobili, Parker and Dunken, the Spurs ended the finals 4-0. As competition to be number 1 rises, expect more intense games this season. Whether Spurs make it to the Finals in the 2008 season or not, NBA tickets run out fast! Get your NBA playoffs tickets early and match it up with a reservation for the NBA Finals!
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