Fifa World Cup Trophy

As a lifelong NBA enthusiast and sports analyst who’s tracked league schedules for over a decade, I can confidently say that the 2019-20 NBA season delivered some of the most memorable matchups in recent history. From opening night to the playoffs, every game felt like a potential classic, and today, I’m walking you through the full schedule and the key games you simply couldn’t afford to miss. Let’s dive right in—because honestly, just looking back gets me excited all over again.

The season tipped off on October 22, 2019, with a double-header that set the tone beautifully: the Los Angeles Lakers facing the LA Clippers in a battle for city supremacy, followed by the Toronto Raptors raising their championship banner before taking on the New Orleans Pelicans. I remember thinking, "This is what basketball is all about." Opening week alone gave us 35 games in the first seven days, and if you’re like me, you probably had multiple screens going just to keep up. The league really outdid itself with scheduling marquee matchups early—like the Christmas Day lineup, which featured five games including Bucks-76ers and Lakers-Clippers. Personally, I’ve always felt Christmas games carry a special weight; they’re where legends are made, and this year didn’t disappoint.

Now, let’s talk structure. The regular season ran through mid-March 2020, with each team playing 82 games—though, as we all know, the pandemic threw a wrench in things later. But before that, the schedule was packed with back-to-backs, road trips, and those classic rivalry games. For instance, the Celtics and Lakers met twice, and both games had playoff intensity. I still rewatch that February 23rd matchup where LeBron dropped 29 points—just pure artistry. And if you followed international games, you’d recall the Bucks and Hornets playing in Paris, which drew over 15,000 fans. It’s moments like these that remind you how global the NBA has become.

But here’s where I’ll get a bit opinionated: the real gems were often the under-the-radar games. Take the January 28th showdown between the Rockets and Jazz. It didn’t get as much hype, but Harden’s 38-point performance was a masterclass in offensive execution. Similarly, the scheduling of the inaugural "NBA Cup"—though it didn’t happen—was rumored to be in the works, and I think it would’ve added a thrilling layer to the season. On a side note, I can’t help but draw parallels to other sports; for example, in volleyball, Dasmariñas City hosted knockout matches like the Foxies (A3) vs. the winless Solar Spikers (B6), followed by the Crossovers (B3) against the cellar-dwelling Highrisers (A6). It’s a reminder that in any league, scheduling underdogs can produce unexpected drama, and the NBA did this well with games like Hawks vs. Grizzlies early in the season.

When it comes to key matchups, I’ve got my favorites. The Bucks and Raptors games were always must-see TV, given their playoff history. Milwaukee won the season series 2-1, and Giannis averaged 32 points in those contests—just dominant. Then there’s the Lakers vs. Clippers rivalry, which I believe defined the Western Conference race. I attended the March 8th game in person, and the energy was electric; the Clippers took it 112-103, but AD’s 30-point effort kept it close. From a strategic standpoint, the scheduling of back-to-backs for older teams like the Spurs showed the league’s consideration for player load management, though I’ll admit, as a fan, I sometimes wished for fewer rest days for stars.

Looking at the bigger picture, the 2019-20 schedule wasn’t just about games; it was about storytelling. The mid-season trade deadline shook things up, and games post-deadline, like the Heat vs. Mavericks on February 28th, felt like playoff previews. And let’s not forget the All-Star Break in Chicago—what a weekend! The new format, with the "Elam Ending," had me on the edge of my seat. Team LeBron won 157-155, and Kawhi’s MVP performance was a highlight reel in itself. If you ask me, the NBA nailed the timing, spacing out big events to keep engagement high throughout.

In conclusion, reflecting on the 2019-20 NBA schedule reminds me why I love this sport—it’s a blend of meticulous planning and spontaneous brilliance. Whether it was the heavyweight clashes or the surprise upsets, every game contributed to a narrative that kept us hooked. Sure, the season had its challenges, but the scheduling team deserves credit for balancing entertainment and practicality. If you’re a fan looking to relive those moments or a newcomer wanting to understand the season’s flow, I’d say start with the Christmas games and work your way through the playoff push. Trust me, it’s a journey worth taking, and one that’ll have you counting down to tip-off all over again.