The NBA Is Back: Less Sleep In Nigeria By Obiti Gabriel

Basketball fans in Nigeria watched the first game of the 2022/2023 NBA season tip off in the early hours of Wednesday, October 19, 2022, and after months of trade machine chatter, pick-up games, training camp, and viral punches, the season is here.

Three weeks later, with hot takes, viral shimmies, suspensions, a banner ceremony, breakout hopefuls, premature excitements, injury returns, and post-game workout videos, I have my first hot take of the season: this league should never take a break.

We missed the thrill of the show. The energy, excitement, awe, and humour are heightened by the quiet of the night as we sacrifice our sleep to watch a 9 p.m. ET game at 2 a.m. while the rest of the world sleeps.

I’ve had to repress many a joyful scream for fear of causing a false alarm in the street. What about the tired attempts to sleep after a heartbreaking loss, knowing that a full workday awaits in the morning?

The NBA is better in the early morning than at 9 p.m. GMT+1. There’s something sinister about getting up at 2:30 a.m. to watch a game. When your team wins, the sacrifice appears to be worthwhile. The losses, on the other hand, are disheartening.

We got to see the NBA in its entirety last night, with 24 teams in action from 12 a.m. to 5 p.m. There was something for everyone, regardless of which team you support or despise. Luka magic, comebacks, crossovers, buzzer beaters, and airballs.

Results from last night

Detroit Pistons 88-112 Cleveland Cavaliers

Indiana Pacers 101-99 Miami Heat

Philadelphia 76ers 104-106 New York Knicks

Washington Wizards 86-128 Brooklyn Nets

Boston Celtics 123-119 Chicago Bulls

Memphis Grizzlies 130-99 Charlotte Hornets

San Antonio Spurs 106-113 Los Angeles Clippers

Dallas Mavericks 111-110 Toronto Raptors

New Orleans Pelicans 114-105 Golden State Warriors

Minnesota Timberwolves 102-115 Milwaukee Bucks

Phoenix Suns 106-108 Portland Trail Blazers

Los Angeles Lakers 116-130 Utah Jazz

We’ll go again tomorrow night.