Explaining why the NBA was better 25 years ago

Prime time in the 90s

Debates between NBA eras never seem to end, especially when it comes to the all-time greats, like the ever-persistent LeBron James vs. Michael Jordan argument. While there's no definitive answer to which era was better, many fans still view the 1990s as the golden age of NBA basketball due to the many 'raw' aspects to the game. With its gritty rivalries, iconic superstars, and physical style of play, that era left a lasting legacy that continues to shape the game today.

"They play physical"

According to CBS Sports, Kevin Durant said, "I go back and watch a lot of that 90s film, 80s stuff, and they play physical, but I just think they got away with a lot of flagrant fouls."

'Jordan Rules'

A perfect example of the physicality back then was the 'Jordan Rules' used by the Detroit Pistons on Michael Jordan in the late 80s and early 90s. ESPN reported that the 'Jordan Rules' were a strategy to forcefully stop Jordan from making it to the rim and to tire him out.

Excessive three-point shot

In today's NBA, the excessive use of the three-point shot has caused many issues that have made the NBA product worse than what it was in the 90s.

Three-point revolution

According to The Ringer, the average number of three-point shots per game in today's NBA is 37, compared to the 1990s, when the average was 10. This three-point revolution has been spearheaded by Steph Curry, James Harden, and Damian Lillard.

Spacing

The higher volume of three-point shots has turned some NBA games into a three-point competition and increased spacing, making it easier for offensive players to score inside and outside the three-point line. This is due to the amount of space on the court.

More intense rivalries

As reported by Complex, the NBA rivalries in the 90s were much fiercer, with the whole of America staying up to watch the Chicago Bulls versus the New York Knicks or Detroit Pistons. The Indiana Pacers had brutal rivalries with the Knicks and Pistons as well.

HOF big men

The NBA today has revolutionized into a league where seven-footers must be able to shoot three-point shots. Back then, the center position required crafty feet and an aggressive temperament to survive under the basket.

Best centers

Complex reported that the 90s hosted the best group of centers in NBA history, including Hall of Famers Patrick Ewing, Hakeem Olajuwon, Shaquille O'Neal, and David Robinson. You can also include Dikembe Mutombo, Rick Smits, and Luc Longley.

Basketball in popular culture

The help of the 1992 Team USA 'Dream Team' and the rise of stars like Michael Jordan and Shaquille O'Neal, brought basketball into pop and regular American culture. Sportskeeda reported that O'Neal famously made a song with rap legend Notorious BIG in 1996.

Michael Jordan

It's impossible to talk about basketball from the 1990s and not talk about the biggest star in the world at that time, Michael Jordan. The Chicago Bulls legend dominated the era, winning six NBA Championships in six Finals appearances, and securing six Finals MVPs.

The Bulls

It wasn't just Michael Jordan that created the Bulls phenom in the 90s, with sidekick Scottie Pippen and Phil Jackson also winning the six NBA Championships with 'MJ'. The 72 and 10 1996 Chicago Bulls team is arguably the greatest NBA team in history.