2017–18 NBA season
The 72nd season of the National Basketball Association began on the 17th of October 2017. The regular season concluded with a championship series in June 2018. The Golden State Warriors defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers to win the title. This matchup featured two teams that had met in the previous three finals. LeBron James led the Cavaliers through the playoffs after a strong regular campaign. The All-Star Game took place at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on the 18th of February 2018. James earned Most Valuable Player honors for his performance during the mid-season showcase.
Paul Pierce signed a ceremonial contract with the Boston Celtics on the 17th of July 2017. He officially retired as a Celtic after playing 19 seasons and winning one championship in 2008. James Jones was announced as vice president of basketball operations for the Phoenix Suns on the 19th of July 2017. His retirement marked the end of 14 playing seasons including titles with Miami and Cleveland. Tayshaun Prince became assistant general manager for the Memphis Grizzlies on the 15th of August 2017. He won a championship with Detroit in 2004 before ending his career. Metta World Peace joined the South Bay Lakers as player development coach on the 23rd of October 2017. He concluded an 18-year playing career that included a 2010 title with the Lakers.
The Phoenix Suns traded Eric Bledsoe to the Milwaukee Bucks on the 17th of November 2017. They received Greg Monroe and two first-round draft picks in return. The Los Angeles Clippers sent Blake Griffin to the Detroit Pistons on the 30th of January 2018. This deal brought Tobias Harris and Avery Bradley back to Los Angeles. The Cleveland Cavaliers traded Isaiah Thomas to the Los Angeles Lakers on the 8th of February 2018. They acquired Jordan Clarkson and Larry Nance Jr. in exchange. Dwyane Wade returned to the Miami Heat later that same day for a future second-round pick. These moves reshaped rosters across the league during the trade deadline window.
Nike became the official jersey supplier starting this season. Teams eliminated home and away designations for their uniforms. White uniforms were designated as Association uniforms while color uniforms became Icon uniforms. Two alternative styles called Statement and City uniforms also debuted. The maximum number of timeouts per regulation game dropped from 18 to 14. Free-throw shooters faced delay-of-game violations if they stepped outside the three-point line between attempts. The NBA board approved changes to the draft lottery system on the 28th of September 2017. Three worst teams now had equal odds at the number one pick instead of just the bottom two.
LeBron James scored his 30,000th point on the 23rd of January 2018. He reached the mark at age 33 years old and 24 days. This made him the youngest player to join the 30,000-point club. Russell Westbrook averaged a triple-double in consecutive seasons for the first time ever. He recorded 25 triple-doubles during the regular campaign. James Harden led the league with 30.4 points per game average. Stephen Curry hit his 2,000th career three-pointer by the 4th of December 2017. He achieved this milestone in 597 games which was 225 fewer than Ray Allen needed.
The NBA Awards ceremony took place on the 25th of June 2018. James Harden won Most Valuable Player honors from the Houston Rockets. Rudy Gobert received Defensive Player of the Year awards from Utah Jazz fans. Ben Simmons claimed Rookie of the Year recognition after playing for Philadelphia. The Boston Celtics retired Paul Pierce's jersey number 34 during halftime on the 11th of February 2018. The Lakers held a similar ceremony for Kobe Bryant's numbers 8 and 24 earlier that month. Dirk Nowitzki became the sixth player to reach 50,000 minutes played by the 5th of February 2018. These events highlighted individual achievements alongside team milestones throughout the season.
Common questions
When did the 2017-18 NBA season begin and end?
The 72nd season of the National Basketball Association began on the 17th of October 2017. The regular season concluded with a championship series in June 2018.
Who won the 2017-18 NBA Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers?
The Golden State Warriors defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers to win the title. This matchup featured two teams that had met in the previous three finals.
What major uniform changes occurred during the 2017-18 NBA season?
Nike became the official jersey supplier starting this season. Teams eliminated home and away designations for their uniforms while introducing Icon, Statement, and City styles.
How many triple-doubles did Russell Westbrook record in the 2017-18 NBA season?
Russell Westbrook recorded 25 triple-doubles during the regular campaign. He averaged a triple-double in consecutive seasons for the first time ever.
Which player scored his 30,000th point during the 2017-18 NBA season?
LeBron James scored his 30,000th point on the 23rd of January 2018. He reached the mark at age 33 years old and 24 days making him the youngest player to join the 30,000-point club.