2013–14 NBA season
the 29th of October 2013 marked the start of the 68th season for the National Basketball Association. The Indiana Pacers hosted a game against the Orlando Magic to open play. Three days later, the Miami Heat faced the Chicago Bulls in a rematch of the previous year's finals. The Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers also played on that opening night. Regular season games continued until the 16th of April 2014. Playoffs began four days later on April 19. The San Antonio Spurs defeated the Miami Heat in five games to win the championship on the 15th of June 2014.
the 18th of April 2013 saw three head coaches let go by their teams within two days. Byron Scott left the Cleveland Cavaliers after three years. Lawrence Frank departed the Detroit Pistons following two seasons. Doug Collins resigned from the Philadelphia 76ers after three years. Mike Dunlap was fired by the Charlotte Bobcats on April 23. Vinny Del Negro did not return as head coach for the Los Angeles Clippers on May 21. George Karl would not be returning to the Denver Nuggets on June 6. Lionel Hollins contract ended with the Memphis Grizzlies on June 10. Maurice Cheeks was fired by the Detroit Pistons on the 9th of February 2014. John Loyer took over as interim coach for the remainder of the season. Jason Kidd served a suspension due to a DUI charge in July 2013 before coaching the Brooklyn Nets again.
The Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers failed to qualify for the playoffs this year. This marked the first time in 20 seasons that both teams missed the playoffs together. For the Lakers it was their first miss in nine seasons. The New York Knicks also failed to make the postseason. No team from these three major markets qualified for the playoffs simultaneously for the first time in league history. The Cleveland Cavaliers won the number one pick in the NBA draft for the second time in three years. They selected Canadian forward Anthony Bennett of UNLV.
Carmelo Anthony scored 62 points against the Charlotte Bobcats on the 24th of January 2014. It was his career high and franchise record. Victor Oladipo and Michael Carter-Williams recorded triple-doubles in the same game on the 3rd of December 2013. Both were rookies playing in double overtime. Oladipo had 26 points while Carter-Williams added 27 points. Kevin Durant led the league with 32.0 points per game. DeAndre Jordan averaged 13.6 rebounds per game. Chris Paul topped the assists list with 10.7 per game. Kyle Korver set a new record for most consecutive games making a three-point shot at 90 games. Antawn Jamison became the 39th player to reach 20,000 career points on the 11th of December 2013.
David Stern officially retired as commissioner of the NBA on the 1st of February 2014. Adam Silver took over as commissioner immediately after. Mark Tatum assumed the role of deputy commissioner. The NBA implemented a tournament system in both Summer League systems this year. The Oklahoma City Thunder won the Orlando Summer League Tournament. The Golden State Warriors won the Las Vegas Summer League Tournament. The owners approved the 2-2-1-1-1 format for the NBA Finals on October 23. This format returned after years of using the 2-3-2 structure starting in 1985.
Jason Collins signed a 10-day contract with the Brooklyn Nets on the 23rd of February 2014. He became the first openly gay athlete in North America's four major professional sports. TMZ leaked an audio recording of Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling on the 25th of April 2014. The recording allegedly contained racist comments made to his girlfriend. Commissioner Adam Silver banned Sterling for life and fined him $2.5 million on the 29th of April 2014. Silver began proceedings to force Sterling out of the league. Players and coaches expressed anger toward the comments during a team meeting. They briefly considered boycotting Game 4 against the Golden State Warriors before deciding against it.
Common questions
When did the 2013-14 NBA season start and end?
The 68th NBA season began on the 29th of October 2013 and regular season games concluded on the 16th of April 2014. Playoffs started four days later on April 19.
Who won the 2013-14 NBA championship and when was it decided?
The San Antonio Spurs defeated the Miami Heat in five games to win the championship on the 15th of June 2014.
Which head coaches were fired or resigned during the 2013-14 NBA season?
Byron Scott left the Cleveland Cavaliers after three years while Lawrence Frank departed the Detroit Pistons following two seasons. Doug Collins resigned from the Philadelphia 76ers after three years and Maurice Cheeks was fired by the Detroit Pistons on the 9th of February 2014.
What major league events occurred regarding David Stern and Adam Silver in 2014?
David Stern officially retired as commissioner of the NBA on the 1st of February 2014 and Adam Silver took over immediately. Mark Tatum assumed the role of deputy commissioner following the transition.
How did Jason Collins impact the 2013-14 NBA season with his signing?
Jason Collins signed a 10-day contract with the Brooklyn Nets on the 23rd of February 2014 and became the first openly gay athlete in North America's four major professional sports.