The History of the NBA in Twelve Games: From 24 Seconds to 30,000 Three-Pointers

Heavy.com editor Deveney (Greed and Glory) hits nothing but net in this savvy examination of the development of the NBA. He provides play-by-plays of 12 games that changed the league, starting with the Oct. 30, 1954, contest between the Rochester Royals and Boston Celtics, which was the first to use the 24-second shot clock that had been devised to discourage stalling tactics. Highlighting the Houston Rockets’ Apr. 14, 1984, loss to the Kansas City Kings, Deveney describes how the Rockets’ efforts to secure one of the first two draft picks for the next season by throwing games led to the implementation of the modern draft lottery system. The author credits the Detroit Pistons’ “Jordan Rules” (a set of strategies for countering Michael Jordan’s prowess on the court, devised after the team’s Apr. 3, 1988, loss against the Chicago Bulls) for toughening up Jordan and elevating his game, while the aggressive playing style encouraged by Miami Heat coach Pat Riley led to the implementation of tougher rules against fighting of the sort that broke out between the Heat and the New York Knicks during their May 14, 1997 Eastern Conference semifinal matchup. Deveney’s love of the game and enthusiastic storytelling make for a captivating chronicle of the league. This is a must for any NBA fan. Photos. (Nov.)