I still remember the feeling of watching my first NBA game live at Madison Square Garden back in 2015 - that electric atmosphere when the players first hit the court is something that stays with you forever. Much like what Las Vegas Aces player Allisha Gray described after her championship performance, there's that surreal moment when professional athletes first step onto the court where everything seems to blur together before finding their rhythm. Gray's words about blacking out during her first minutes on the floor resonate with how many fans feel when the new NBA season tips off - that overwhelming excitement that makes time seem to stand still before settling into the beautiful rhythm of the game.
The 2022-23 NBA season officially begins on October 18, 2022, with a double-header featuring the defending champion Golden State Warriors hosting the Los Angeles Lakers at Chase Center, followed by the Philadelphia 76ers visiting the Boston Celtics. This marks the league's 76th season, and having followed the scheduling patterns for over a decade, I've noticed how the league strategically places marquee matchups right from opening night to capture that initial burst of fan excitement. The season actually kicks off with preseason games starting September 30th, though these don't count toward regular season standings. What many casual fans might not realize is that the full regular season schedule won't be released until late August, creating this wonderful period of speculation and anticipation among basketball enthusiasts.
Personally, I find the Christmas Day games particularly magical - this year marking the 75th anniversary of the NBA's Christmas tradition. On December 25th, we'll be treated to five incredible matchups: Milwaukee at Boston, Philadelphia at New York, Phoenix at Denver, Lakers at Dallas, and Memphis at Golden State. These games have consistently delivered some of the most memorable moments in recent history, and I firmly believe they represent basketball at its most entertaining. The All-Star break is scheduled for February 17-19 in Salt Lake City, which feels like the perfect midpoint to reflect on the season's first half while enjoying the spectacular displays of individual talent.
Looking at the broader calendar, the regular season concludes on April 9, 2023, followed by the play-in tournament from April 11-14 - a relatively new addition that I've grown to appreciate for the drama it injects into the final playoff spots. The playoffs proper begin April 15th, with the NBA Finals scheduled to start June 1st. What's particularly interesting this season is how the league has managed to return to its traditional October-June schedule after the pandemic disruptions, though I've noticed they've built in more flexibility for potential make-up games than in pre-COVID seasons.
The 2022 draft occurred June 23rd at Barclays Center, with Paolo Banchero going first to Orlando - a pick that surprised many analysts but made perfect sense given the Magic's roster construction. Free agency opened June 30th at 6 PM ET, leading to some fascinating player movements that will undoubtedly shape the season's narrative. Summer League in Las Vegas ran from July 7-17, giving us our first glimpse of the incoming rookie class. Having attended multiple Summer Leagues over the years, I can attest that these games often provide early indicators of which teams have found hidden gems in the draft.
Training camps open September 27th, though many players begin informal workouts together much earlier - something I wish more fans could see because it reveals the incredible dedication these athletes bring during their "off-season." The trade deadline falls on February 9, 2023, always creating a flurry of speculation and last-minute deals that can completely alter championship trajectories. Having followed these deadline dramas for years, I've learned that the biggest moves often happen when least expected.
International games this season include two regular-season contests in Paris between Chicago and Detroit on January 19th, continuing the league's global expansion efforts that I've been fortunate to witness firsthand during the Mexico City games back in 2018. The G League season tips off November 4th, while the Women's NBA season typically overlaps with the NBA's later stages, creating this beautiful synergy between the two leagues during playoff time.
Reflecting on Gray's comments about those first overwhelming minutes on the court, I can't help but draw parallels to how fans experience each new season - that initial information overload giving way to the comfortable rhythm of nightly games, developing storylines, and the gradual emergence of championship contenders. The 2022-23 season promises particular intrigue with several superstars changing teams and young rosters like Memphis and Cleveland looking to take the next step. After following the league for fifteen years, I've developed this sixth sense for which seasons will become instant classics, and everything about this upcoming campaign suggests we're in for something special. The return to normal scheduling, the balanced calendar, and the incredible depth of talent across the league all point toward what could be one of the most competitive seasons in recent memory.
