The NBA's 77th Season
A Data-Driven Chronicle of the 2022-23 Professional Basketball Year.
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Season Overview
League & Duration
The 2022-23 NBA season marked the 77th season of the National Basketball Association (NBA). It commenced on October 18, 2022, and concluded with the NBA Finals on June 12, 2023. The regular season spanned from October 18, 2022, to April 9, 2023, featuring 82 games for each of the 30 participating teams.
Broadcast Partners
The season's extensive media coverage was provided by a consortium of major networks, including ESPN/ABC and TNT, alongside NBA TV. Streaming services like ESPN+ also offered supplementary content, ensuring broad accessibility for fans across various platforms.
Key Milestones
This season was notable for several significant developments, including the permanent retirement of the number 6 league-wide in honor of Bill Russell, the introduction of new awards such as the Clutch Player of the Year, and updated trophy designs for various accolades. The league also saw a return to international games and significant media rights discussions.
Transactions & Player Movements
Player Retirements
Several prominent players concluded their professional careers during or leading up to the 2022-23 season. Notable retirements included J.J. Barea, Gustavo Ayón, Jodie Meeks, LaMarcus Aldridge, and Carmelo Anthony, each leaving a significant legacy in the sport.
Draft & Free Agency
The 2022 NBA draft, held on June 23, 2022, saw Paolo Banchero selected first overall by the Orlando Magic. The free agency period returned to its traditional July 1 start date, with teams engaging in significant player movement. Notably, the Philadelphia 76ers faced penalties for violating league moratorium rules.
Preseason Engagements
Domestic Games
The preseason featured several games hosted in non-traditional NBA markets across the United States, providing fans in various cities with live NBA action. These included matchups in Seattle, Tulsa, Paradise (Nevada), Greensboro, and Birmingham.
International Showcase
The NBA Global Games made a significant return, marking the first international regular season games since the pandemic's onset. These events included matchups in Tokyo, Japan (Warriors vs. Wizards), Edmonton, Canada (Raptors vs. Jazz), Abu Dhabi, UAE (Hawks vs. Bucks), and Montreal, Canada (Raptors vs. Celtics).
Regular Season Dynamics
Conference Standings
The regular season culminated with the Milwaukee Bucks securing the top seed in the Eastern Conference, while the Denver Nuggets clinched the top spot in the Western Conference. Detailed standings by division highlight the competitive landscape and playoff qualification paths.
International Games
The season also featured international regular season games, including the NBA Mexico City Game 2022 (Heat vs. Spurs) and the NBA Paris Game 2023 (Bulls vs. Pistons), underscoring the league's global reach and commitment to international fan engagement.
Play-In Tournament Dynamics
Format and Qualification
The play-in tournament, now a permanent fixture, determined the 7th and 8th seeds in each conference. Teams ranked 7th through 10th participated in a double-elimination format to secure the final playoff berths, adding significant excitement to the season's conclusion.
Eastern & Western Results
In the Eastern Conference, the Atlanta Hawks (8th seed) emerged victorious after defeating the Miami Heat in the 7-8 game, while the Heat secured the 7th seed by winning the subsequent game against the Chicago Bulls. For the Western Conference, the Los Angeles Lakers claimed the 7th seed by defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves, who then secured the 8th seed by defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Postseason Pursuit
Playoff Bracket
The playoffs commenced on April 15, 2023, featuring intense matchups across both conferences. The bracket illustrates the progression from the first round through the Conference Finals, culminating in the NBA Finals.
NBA Finals Champions
The Denver Nuggets, led by Nikola Jokić, captured their first NBA championship by defeating the Miami Heat in five games. Nikola Jokić was awarded the NBA Finals MVP for his exceptional performance throughout the series.
Statistical Analysis
Individual Leaders
Key individual statistical leaders for the season included Joel Embiid (Points Per Game), Domantas Sabonis (Rebounds Per Game), and James Harden (Assists Per Game). Jaren Jackson Jr. led in both Steals and Blocks Per Game, showcasing defensive prowess.
Team Performance Metrics
The Sacramento Kings led the league in Points Per Game (120.7), while the Milwaukee Bucks dominated Rebounds Per Game (48.6). The Golden State Warriors excelled in Assists Per Game (29.8), and the Philadelphia 76ers demonstrated efficiency with the highest FG% (50.4%) and FT% (83.6%).
Individual Game Highs
Exceptional individual performances were recorded throughout the season. Damian Lillard and Joel Embiid delivered historic scoring outputs, with Lillard scoring 71 points and Embiid achieving a 50-point, 10-rebound, 5-assist, 5-block game, a feat unprecedented in NBA history.
Accolades and Honors
Season MVP & Key Awards
Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers was awarded the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) trophy. Jaren Jackson Jr. (Defensive Player of the Year), Paolo Banchero (Rookie of the Year), and Malcolm Brogdon (Sixth Man of the Year) were among the other major award recipients.
All-NBA & All-Defensive Teams
The season's top performers were recognized with All-NBA selections. The First Team included Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jayson Tatum, Joel Embiid, Luka Dončić, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Defensive specialists were honored with All-Defensive Team selections, highlighting elite perimeter and interior defenders.
Rookie & Monthly Honors
The All-Rookie teams celebrated the league's emerging talent, with Paolo Banchero and Jalen Williams leading the First Team selections. Monthly awards recognized consistent excellence from players and coaches throughout the season, highlighting standout performances in October/November through March/April.
Arena Updates
Naming Rights Changes
The Miami Heat's home venue underwent a significant naming rights transition. Formerly known as FTX Arena, it was temporarily renamed Miami-Dade Arena before settling on Kaseya Center in April 2023, reflecting shifts in corporate partnerships and venue branding.
Media Landscape
National Broadcasts
The season was covered extensively by national partners ESPN/ABC, TNT, and NBA TV. Notable programming included a record number of Christmas Day games simulcast across ABC and ESPN, dedicated NBA Saturday Primetime and Sunday Showcase events, and themed weeks like "NBA Rivals Week," highlighting key matchups.
Local & Digital Coverage
Local broadcasts saw changes, with Monumental Sports & Entertainment taking full control of NBC Sports Washington. The Los Angeles Clippers launched "ClipperVision," a direct-to-consumer streaming service. Regional Sports Networks faced significant financial challenges, with Diamond Sports Group (Bally Sports) filing for bankruptcy, impacting local broadcasts for several teams.
Notable Occurrences
League-Wide Number Retirement
In a historic move, the NBA permanently retired the number 6 across all teams in honor of the legendary Bill Russell. Players wearing number 6 were permitted to continue doing so, but the number will not be issued to new players, symbolizing Russell's immense impact on the game.
Rule Changes & Controversies
The league implemented a new penalty for the "take foul," awarding one free throw and possession to the offensive team. Off-court, the season was marked by the suspension and subsequent sale process involving Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver, stemming from an investigation into workplace misconduct.
Canadian Talent
The season saw a record 23 Canadian players on opening-night rosters, reinforcing Canada's status as the second-most represented country in the NBA, highlighting the growing global pipeline of talent.
Teacher's Corner
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Disclaimer
Important Notice
This content has been generated by an AI model and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy based on the provided source data, it may not be exhaustive or entirely up-to-date. The information presented here is not a substitute for professional sports analysis, betting advice, or official league communications.
This is not professional advice. Always consult official NBA sources and qualified professionals for definitive information and guidance. Reliance on this information is solely at the user's own risk.
The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.