Sports for Dummies – Guide to the NBA
Welcome new NBA fans! In this article, you will learn everything there is to know about the basketball league, including its rules, stars, legends, and classic rivalries.
The league was founded on 6 June, 1946, as the Basketball Association of America (BAA). It later merged with the National Basketball League (NBL) in 1949 to become what is now officially known as the National Basketball Association (NBA).
Basketball itself was invented by Dr. James Naismith back in 1891. James was a physical education instructor at the International YMCA Training School in Springfield, Massachusetts. He created the sport as an indoor activity to keep students active during the winter months.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Nnaemeka Obinna presents a Sports for Dummies guide to the NBA.
Rules of the NBA
The NBA is fast, fierce, and full of action – high-flying dunks, buzzer-beaters, and lockdown defense. The rules are there to define the structure and flow of a game, ensuring fair play and competitive balance. Master the rules or get left behind!
Game structure
An NBA game consists of four quarters, each lasting 12 minutes. A five-minute overtime period is played if the game is tied after regulation time. Each team also has seven timeouts per game, with a limit on how many can be used in the fourth quarter.
Scoring system
A field goal is a shot made from anywhere on the court. It is worth two points if made inside the three-point line and three points if made beyond the three-point arc. A free throw is a shot taken from the free-throw line and is worth one point.
Offence
Assists are passes leading directly to a made basket and turnovers are the loss of possession due to a bad pass, stolen ball, or violation. The offence must always cross half-court within eight seconds or risk an eight-second violation. Likewise, after a stoppage, the inbounder has five seconds to pass the ball or risk a five-second violation.
Defence
Steals take the ball away from an opponent legally, blocks deflect an opponent’s shot before it reaches the basket, and goaltending is the blocking of a shot after it begins to descend toward the hoop.
A defender who stays in the paint (or key) for more than three seconds without actively guarding someone is given a defensive three-second violation, resulting in one free throw for the opposition.
Violations
Travelling is moving with the ball without dribbling. If a player dribbles, stops, and dribbles again, it is considered a double dribble. A shot clock violation is when a team fails to take a field-goal shot within 24 seconds, and a backcourt violation is when a team returns the ball to the backcourt after already crossing half-court.
Fouls
A personal foul is any illegal contact with an opponent. If a player is fouled while attempting a shot, they are awarded free throws: two for a missed two-pointer, three for a missed three-pointer, and one if the shot is made despite the foul.
Foul via excessive contact is termed a flagrant foul 1 and the opposing team gets two free throws plus possession. Foul via severe contact is considered a flagrant foul 2 and leads to player ejection. Technical fouls are given for unsportsmanlike behavior and result in one free throw for the opposing team.
After five team fouls in a quarter, the opposing team gets two free throws on every foul. A player fouls out and must leave the game after committing six personal fouls.
Instant replay & challenges
Officials can choose to review last-second shots, flagrant fouls, and certain game-changing plays. Each team also gets one coaches’ challenge per game to review a foul, out-of-bounds call, or goaltending.
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Current NBA stars
Being an NBA star means excelling at the highest level of skill, leadership, and consistency.
Giannis Antetokounmpo dominates thanks to his two-way ability and relentless attack on the rim, Luka Dončić controls the game with elite playmaking and scoring, and Nikola Jokić proves that basketball IQ and versatility can make a centre the team's focal point.
Stephen Curry changed the game of basketball due to his three-point shooting forcing defenses to extend far beyond the arc, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has emerged as an elite scorer and leader using his smooth footwork and efficiency to take over games, and Anthony Edwards offers explosive athleticism, confidence, and clutch scoring.
LeBron James and Kevin Durant, meanwhile, continue to show that longevity and dominance go hand in hand as they maintain their superstar status well into their 30s.
These players have all become global superstars through the NBA by scoring their own shoe deals, selling jerseys, and being featured on the covers of video games. Despite the obvious materialism, they have never lost sight of hard work, dedication, and continuing growth.
Youths often get inspired by these individuals, understanding that sacrifice is the key to success. After all, if they can do it, why can’t you?
Giannis Antetokounmpo – forward, #34 Milwaukee Bucks
Birthplace: Athens, Greece
Giannis has dominated the league with his athleticism, versatility, and sheer ferocity ever since his debut in 2013. Per game, he averages 31.1 points, 12.0 rebounds, 5.8 assists, 0.8 steals, and 1.3 blocks, with a field-goal success rate of 61.0%.
Honours: NBA champion (2021), NBA Finals MVP (2021), NBA Most Valuable Player (2019-20), NBA Cup champion (2024), NBA Cup MVP (2024), nine-time NBA All-Star, NBA All-Star MVP (2021), eight-time All-NBA selection, NBA Defensive Player of the Year (2020).
Luka Dončić – point guard, #77 Los Angeles Lakers
Birthplace: Ljubljana, Slovenia
Luka has quickly become a renowned playmaker, showing off his scoring ability and being seen as one of the new faces of the NBA. Per game last season, he averaged 28.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, 7.8 assists, 2.0 steals, and 0.4 blocks, with a field-goal success rate of 46.4%.
Honours: Five-time NBA All-Star, five-time All-NBA selection, NBA Rookie of the Year (2019).
Nikola Jokić – centre, #15 Denver Nuggets
Birthplace: Sombor, Serbia
Nikola is known for his unmatched passing ability, high basketball IQ, and positional dominance. Per game, the leader of the Nuggets averages 25.8 points, 12.3 rebounds, 9.2 assists, 1.3 steals, and 0.7 blocks, with a field-goal success rate of 56.3%.
Honours: NBA champion (2023), NBA Finals MVP (2023), NBA Most Valuable Player (2021-22, 2024), seven-time NBA All-Star, six-time All-NBA selection.
Stephen Curry – guard, #30 Golden State Warriors
Birthplace: Akron, Ohio
Steph revolutionised basketball with his three-point shooting and offensive impact. Still a force to be reckoned with at 36 and the all-time leader in three-pointers made, he averages 28.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, 6.3 assists, 1.2 steals, and 0.4 blocks per game, with a field-goal success rate of 47.5%.
Honours: NBA champion (2015, 2017-18, 2022), NBA Finals MVP (2022), NBA Most Valuable Player (2015-16), 11-time NBA All-Star, NBA All-Star MVP (2022, 2025), 10-time All-NBA selection.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – guard, #2 Oklahoma City Thunder
Birthplace: Toronto, Canada
SGA has emerged as one of the league’s best two-way guards due to his elite scoring ability and all-round efficiency. He continues to elevate the Thunder with his smooth style, averaging 31.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 6.2 assists, 2.1 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game, with a field-goal success rate of 53.2%.
Honours: three-time NBA All-Star, two-time All-NBA selection.
Anthony Edwards – guard, #5 Minnesota Timberwolves
Birthplace: Atlanta, Georgia
Ant is one of the league’s most explosive young stars, combining athleticism with elite shot-making. Per game, he averages 27.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 1.6 steals, and 0.9 blocks, with a field-goal success rate of 48.9%.
Honours: three-time NBA All-Star, one-time All-NBA selection.
LeBron James – forward, #23 Los Angeles Lakers
Birthplace: Akron, Ohio
LeBron is one of the greatest players in league history, continuing to dominate in his 21st season at age 40. The NBA’s all-time top scorer, he averages 27.3 points, 8.1 rebounds, 7.9 assists, 1.3 steals, and 0.8 blocks per game, with a field-goal success rate of 50.8%.
Honours: NBA champion (2012-13, 2016, 2020), NBA Finals MVP (2012-13, 2016, 2020), NBA Most Valuable Player (2009-10, 2012-13), NBA Cup champion (2023), NBA Cup MVP (2023), 21-time NBA All-Star, NBA All-Star MVP (2006, 2008, 2018), 20-time All-NBA selection, NBA Rookie of the Year (2004).
Kevin Durant – forward, #35 Phoenix Suns
Birthplace: Washington, D.C.
KD is among the best scorers of all time, with a smooth offensive game and elite shot-making ability. One of the toughest players to guard, he averages 30.2 points, 7.1 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game, with a field-goal success rate of 52.1%.
Honours: NBA champion (2017-18), NBA Finals MVP (2017-18), NBA Most Valuable Player (2014), 15-time NBA All-Star, NBA All-Star MVP (2012, 2019), 11-time All-NBA selection, NBA Rookie of the Year (2008).
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NBA legends
While NBA superstars shine bright, NBA legends define the game. Legends don’t just break records – they reshape history, inspiring the next generation to dream bigger and work harder. Legends, simply put, last forever.
Michael Jordan – shooting guard, #23 Chicago Bulls
Birthplace: New York City, New York
MJ is widely regarded as the greatest basketball player of all time, known for his scoring prowess, defensive ability, and killer mentality. In dominating both ends of the court, he averaged 30.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 2.3 steals, and 0.8 blocks per game, with a field-goal success rate of 49.7%.
Honours: NBA champion (1991-93, 1996-98), NBA Finals MVP (1991-93, 1996-98), NBA Most Valuable Player (1988, 1991-92, 1996, 1998), 14-time NBA All-Star, NBA All-Star MVP (1988, 1996, 1998), 11-time All-NBA selection, NBA Defensive Player of the Year (1988), NBA Rookie of the Year (1985).
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar – centre, #33 Milwaukee Bucks & Los Angeles Lakers
Birthplace: New York City, New York
Kareem became the NBA’s all-time leading scorer thanks to his unstoppable skyhook shot and remarkable consistency. Per game, he averaged 24.6 points, 11.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 0.9 steals, and 2.6 blocks, with a field-goal success rate of 55.9%.
Honours: NBA champion (1971, 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987-88), NBA Finals MVP (1971, 1985), NBA Most Valuable Player (1971-72, 1974, 1976-77, 1980), 19-time NBA All-Star, 15-time All-NBA selection, NBA Rookie of the Year (1970).
Magic Johnson – point guard, #32 Los Angeles Lakers
Birthplace: Lansing, Michigan
Magic redefined the point guard position with his 6’9” frame, vision, and flair for the dramatic. Per game, he averaged 19.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, 11.2 assists, 1.9 steals, and 0.4 blocks.
Honours: NBA champion (1980, 1982, 1985, 1987-88), NBA Finals MVP (1980, 1982, 1987), NBA Most Valuable Player (1987, 1989-90), 12-time NBA All-Star, NBA All-Star MVP (1990, 1992), 10-time All-NBA selection.
Larry Bird – forward, #33 Boston Celtics
Birthplace: West Baden Springs, Indiana
Larry is one of the greatest all-around players ever on account of his shooting brilliance, passing ability, and general leadership. Per game, he averaged 24.3 points, 10.0 rebounds, 6.3 assists, 1.7 steals, and 0.8 blocks.
Honours: NBA champion (1981, 1984, 1986), NBA Finals MVP (1984, 1986), NBA Most Valuable Player (1984-86), 12-time NBA All-Star, NBA All-Star MVP (1982), and 10-time All-NBA selection, NBA Rookie of the Year (1980).
Wilt Chamberlain – centre, #13 Philadelphia/San Francisco Warriors
Birthplace: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Wilt was a statistical machine, famously scoring 100 points in a single game and dominating all over the court. Per game, he averaged 30.1 points, 22.9 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 0.5 steals, and 2.4 blocks.
Honours: NBA champion (1967, 1972), NBA Finals MVP (1972), NBA Most Valuable Player (1960, 1966-68), 13-time NBA All-Star, NBA All-Star MVP (1960), 10-time All-NBA selection, NBA Rookie of the Year (1960).
Kobe Bryant – guard, #24 Los Angeles Lakers
Birthplace: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Kobe was known for his relentless work ethic, nimble footwork, and ability to hit clutch shots in the biggest moments. Per game, he averaged 25.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.7 assists, 1.4 steals, and 0.5 blocks, with a field-goal success rate of 44.7%.
Honours: NBA champion (2000-02, 2009-10), NBA Finals MVP (2009-10), NBA Most Valuable Player (2008), 18-time NBA All-Star, NBA All-Star MVP (2002, 2007, 2009, 2011), 15-time All-NBA selection.
Shaquille O’Neal – centre, #32 Los Angeles Lakers
Birthplace: Newark, New Jersey
Shaq was nothing short of a dominant force in the paint, with his size, power, and footwork creating havoc for opponents. Per game, he averaged 23.7 points, 10.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 0.5 steals, and 2.3 blocks.
Honours: NBA champion (2000-02, 2006), NBA Finals MVP (2000-02), NBA Most Valuable Player (2000), 15-time NBA All-Star, NBA All-Star MVP (2000, 2004, 2009), 14-time All-NBA selection, NBA Rookie of the Year (1993).
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Legendary NBA games
‘Legendary’ is the term used to describe people, places, things, or events that are widely known and remembered, often due to their remarkable nature. The NBA is known for a number of legendary games, where greatness was truly brought to the fore.
Los Angeles Lakers vs Boston Celtics – 1984 to 1987
The rivalry between Larry Bird and Magic Johnson single-handedly saved the NBA.
In the mid-1970s, the NBA’s popularity and TV ratings were slowly decreasing due to teams' inability to market themselves to their respective cities. The league’s image was further being diminished due to rampant drug use and various off-court scandals.
However, Bird and Magic's rivalry from their NCAA Championship spilled over into the NBA when they moved up and the resulting spectacle was a boon to the struggling league.
In 1984, Bird’s Celtics beat Magic’s Lakers to win the NBA Finals 4-3. The following year, the pair met again in the showpiece, with the Lakers triumphing 4-2. 1987 then saw Magic and the Lakers once again defeat Bird and the Celtics by the same scoreline.
The rivalry between Magic and Bird ultimately proved pivotal in re-popularising the NBA and helping the league thrive into the 1980s, defining an era in the process.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Golden State Warriors – 2016
It does not get much worse than being 3-1 down in the NBA Finals. Yet, in 2016, the Cavaliers overcame such a position to beat the Warriors 4-3 in a memorable series.
James, Kyrie Irving, and Kevin Love were on a mission to deliver the Cavaliers’ first-ever NBA Championship, while the Warriors – led by Curry, Klay Thompson, and Andre Iguodala – were seeking to become back-to-back champions.
There was also no shortage of recent history, with Golden State having defeated Cleveland 4-2 in the previous year’s NBA Finals.
The Warriors won Game 1 104-89, Game 2 110-77, and Game 4 108-97. Many teams would have felt completely defeated at that point, but the Cavaliers had a number of legends in their ranks and legends rise to the occasion, even when all seems lost.
Cleveland subsequently won Game 5 112- 97 and Game 6 115-101, with James scoring 41 points in both. A comeback for the ages beckoning, the Cavaliers went on to seal the Championship with a 93-89 victory in Game 7, thanks in particular to Lebron's iconic chase-down block on Andrea Iguodala and Kyrie’s clutch three over Curry.
Finally, the city of Cleveland had its first NBA Championship, and it was mostly down to a kid from Akron, who was able to give his city hope when all seemed hopeless and then turn that hope into reality. In the end, James defied the odds because that is what legends do.
Summary
In this article, we talked about the rules, stars, legends, and legendary games of the NBA. So tell me – do you have what it takes to rise to the occasion?
Do you have what it takes to be an NBA star? Do you have what it takes to be an NBA legend? I’ll let you define your own story.
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