Five years have passed since the Bubble Park rematch. What are the memories and stories there?

(This article was published on July 30, and the author is Joe Vardon, a reporter from The Athletic. The content of the article does not represent the translator's views.)

It has been more than five years since the first batch of people arrived at Disneyland to participate in the NBA rematch. This Thursday, we will celebrate the fifth anniversary of our first match in the place. In October 2020, the Los Angeles Lakers won the championship in this iconic amusement park.

To commemorate this moment, I contacted several players, coaches, NBA executives and journalists who have had the same experience as me. Here is our story.

"We work together"

Whether it is LeBron James, the world's most famous basketball player, or Malinda Adams, who works behind the scenes, in most cases, everyone follows the same rules and conditions. Of course, there are some differences, but we all have the same coronavirus test and pass safety protocols and must stay in the Disney campus and are not allowed to go out.

NBA President Adam Xiao Hua: I am proud that the entire NBA community can unite and accomplish unprecedented feats. Looking back at this environment that I once resisted called "bubble", I once again amazed at the unique ability of sports to unite people, inspire creativity and innovation in difficult times.

Mike Bryn, live commentator for ESPN and ABC: The league has its responsibilities, and the media, players, coaches and even referees have their tasks, but there is a tacit understanding between everyone, that is, "Hey, listen, this is a difficult time. This is not the norm. We are all navigating the unknown waters, but we have to face it all together."

Jody Fernandez, former Nuggets assistant coach (now Nets head coach): When you enter the quarantine, at least you feel like you are providing entertainment for people. At that time, you were the only live performance in the world.

Washington Post reporter Ben Goliver (and the author of the book Bubble Ball, a book about Disney campus experience): Xiao Hua's "cooperation" approach as the league chairman has achieved great success in 2020, and the rematch park should be regarded as one of the important moments during his term. Without a solid working relationship between the NBA and the Players Association, the rematch park may have failed before it even started, or the plan may also be failed once players realize they are trapped at Disney World. Despite the complex problems, both sides have successfully completed the task of billions of dollars in profits.

used to work for the Orange County Chronicle and now the Baltimore Flag columnist Kyle Goon: In order to allow everyone to continue playing basketball, we have created a symbolic safety net. But this is also the last time in my memory when everyone generally agreed that the new coronavirus was a serious threat.

The Athletic reporter Sam Amick: It's really interesting once the initial quarantine week (including nearly being expelled from the park for violating the COVID-19 protocol) is also prohibited from drinking wine outside their respective rooms with the team management). Every night we can watch the high-level NBA playoffs up close with dozens of other media members and then write coverage in the resort’s lake office. Every day, we are resting after work, day after day, and we have been playing pickle with NBA officials.

AP reporter Tim Reynolds: If you survived a closed division, you really proved your tenacity. It was a three-month quarantine, which was the most special basketball summer camp in history. There, the only thing we do is watch games, discuss, think, eat, drink and sleep, everything revolves around basketball. There is no family to accompany you, only friends and competitions to live together. We continued there, and the outside world seemed to be still. That period was hard to endure, and sometimes it was even unbearable. I really want to go home.

The current 76ers executive: This is a strange combination. For fans outside the Bubble Park, it is as full of entertainment as the Colosseum; and for those of us in it, it is like a luxurious purgatory. The audience outside enjoys the fun of the game in isolation, while the players and management inside not only have to compete with their opponents, but also face the psychological challenges of not being able to leave the park.

Nasmith Basketball Hall of Fame reporter Marc J. Spears, who shared his experience on Andscape's website: The media accommodation is pretty average, and we actually live in a motel (oh, it's not that bad either). What makes me funny is that the players are actually complaining that they live in four- and five-star hotels and can also bring a loved one during the playoffs. They also have their own chefs and exclusively own some restaurants that the media cannot access. To keep my mental health I try to make my residence as comfortable as possible and make sure I find happiness every day. I prepared enough wine, heated food in the oven, made my own coffee with very good bottled water every day, and brought a speaker to play music. Some referees will come to me to get coffee.

ESPN producer Malinda Adams: We had 10 days of quarantine (most people only need to quarantine for 7 days, but Marika Andrews and I were already on the campus before the players arrived), and that was the worst part for me. We can only leave the room for testing every day and then return immediately. We couldn't even open the door to breathe, I ran 5km in the room every day and brought resistance bands and dumbbells from home, thank goodness. We have been tested for the new coronavirus every day for 108 consecutive days and must strictly abide by epidemic prevention regulations. We have also tested some new technologies such as ŌURA smart ring and KINEXON tracking devices, so it is very exciting to be at the forefront of these technologies. In my opinion, we have proved that following epidemic prevention regulations is effective, and no one in the park is infected with the new coronavirus.

Famous reporter Marc Stein: Five years later, looking back at the experience of the NBA Bubble Park, I still think this is a task that cannot be missed. From the time we started hearing this news, I saw it as a must-see report. Looking back, I am very grateful that I have lived in the first such "village" in NBA history for more than 50 days. Nevertheless, I must admit that I don't really want to face those complicated regulations, regulations and restrictions again. I don't think we'll see the entire league (or two-thirds of the team) gathering in one place again to prepare for the NBA Finals that will be played in October.

Malinda Adams: I took the initiative to ask for participation. I want to work and be a part of history.

The Athletic reporter Joe Vardon: So do I.

Kyle Korver (now Assistant General Manager of the Eagles): I think the precious thing about this experience is that humans can find solutions to the problem. The rematch park is like an AAU tournament with NBA players. Without fans, NBA teams and media personnel live in a closed environment, which allows journalists to observe the players they cover at an unprecedented level.

Mike Bryn: Even without fans, the players' game intensity is still very high, which fully demonstrates their desire and love for competition. Although no one cheered them on the spot and some players made wonderful performances, there was no cheer from the audience. Although this feeling is strange, it does not affect the intensity of the players' game at all, which is not easy.

Jody Fernandez: I think some games are really exciting. We played twice to tiebreaker and reversed from a 1-3 disadvantage against the Jazz. So, it's very special for us. Although we failed to beat the Lakers in the Western Conference Finals, they performed very well and eventually won the championship, I think our players performed well, Jamal Murray, Jokic and the entire team were impressive.

Marc J.Spears: What people don't talk about about the rematch park is that the excitement of basketball games there, and that's simply a basketball paradise. It's basically like an AAU tournament with NBA players, which is simply incredible. Three gymnasiums are next to each other, and two of them compete at the same time. I will never forget to watch the G1 in the Eastern Conference Finals and then walk 15 yards to another gym to watch that crazy tiebreak between the Clippers and the Nuggets. You know, the media can watch the game as I did in my early career.

Joe Vardon: At the Gran Destino Tower restaurant in the Spring Hotel Coronado, where the teams were stationed, I hosted a party for my fellow media. We prepared pizza boxes and countless bottles of wine. At dusk, just as we were eating and drinking, LeBron James appeared on his bicycle and helmet. "Hey, LeBron," I shouted to the famous wine connoisseur and fellow countrymen, "Come and have a drink with us." "Do you have tequila?" he asked back. I was a little confused and replied that no, but we had a lot of red wine, and it was good wine, adding, “How many opportunities can there be like this?” But he seemed unmoved, indicating that he was looking for tequila and then rode back to the hotel – the door opened automatically and he rode all the way through the carpeted corridor. I still remember dozens of players gathered around Clippers assistant coach Tyron Lou, chatting and laughing at these outdoor tables, few of whom were Clippers players. Before the Nuggets' first game, head coach Mike Malone placed famous brands on the bench, allowing each player to sit in designated positions, maintain social distance, and be equipped with their own special drinking bottles. In the summer of 2020, even without the epidemic, the United States was already in turmoil. The killing of George Floyd has sparked nationwide protests, with almost all players kneeling on one knee as the national anthem sounded, protesting police violence and racial injustice. The season was almost interrupted again, and could even be permanently shut down when the Bucks striking the playoffs with the Magic after protesting against the Jacob Black shooting in the suburbs of Milwaukee.

Sam Amick: At that time, the whole country was in a state of tension.

Korver: Cultural issues, the George Floyd incident and the "Black Lives Matter" movement, people feel differently now than they were at that time. I think the culture of the country has changed, and this transformation is unfortunate, especially in the process of our attempt to move forward together or many people are trying to move forward together. The NBA tries to give players the opportunity to speak out and take advantage of the platform they have. It’s not easy to make a powerful sound on these challenging issues. I think it is highly commendable that the league supports and once again strives to give players the right to speak out and stand up for important issues they care about.

Ben Goliver: Looking back at the past, the Bucks' refusal to play for protesting police shootings now seems to be a turning point. The positive actions of NBA players have won both praise and controversy. In the 2020-21 season, the league returned to a more modest reality. At that time, kneeling in front of the national anthem, jersey slogans and "Black Lives Matter" have become distant memories, and most celebrity players' political activities during the 2024 presidential election have also been much more low-key.

Joe Vardon: I almost missed one of the biggest news in NBA history. At that time, I decided to take a break and not watch the Bucks and Magic games, because the Bucks had already led 3-0 in the series, and the Lakers would have a game later - that's the focus event that should not be missed. I'm glad I did, though, because at least I can proudly say that I've been there before.

Malinda Adams: Looking back, entering the NBA bubble park was the most difficult thing I have ever experienced, whether it is psychologically, emotionally or physically. It was a test, but I'm glad I did. When I found the rhythm, everything went smoothly. I found a way to exercise in the early morning, and exercise is my spiritual backbone. I found a sense of belonging among other journalists. We all went through the same thing: isolating, staying away from family, eating food prepared by others and living in a small space... I can honestly tell you that when I see people with me in the bubble park, I smile more broadly and hug more tightly. This is an experience that I will never forget and cherish. An example of love in the NBA bubble park is where I celebrated my 60th birthday and they hosted a big surprise birthday party for me. I was both shocked and speechless at that time. I was emotional that night and cried many times. Love in the Bubble Park is real.

Tim Reynolds: The experience of a closed division has a lot of significance now. Unless you experience it yourself, you can't really understand what it was like. It succeeded, the NBA did, the season was saved, and the outside world was found an exit here in lockdown days such as fear, uncertainty, anger and boredom. If I had another choice, I really hope I didn't have to do it again. But I'm proud to say that I've been there, one of the few people who have covered such a unique season. We have all gone through hell, but we are very lucky to have this privilege.

Kyle Goon: The psychological test that comes with completing an already challenging season is something that those who have never experienced it will never fully understand.

Stein: The Bubble Park is both historically meaningful, exciting, and also very energy-consuming. Only those who are truly immersive can experience it all.

Marc J.Spears: I had the honor of entering a room where only a few people could enter. I will always cherish this journey.

Joe Vardon: Five years ago, I called that closed game the "last great American sports writing mission", which is perhaps a bit exaggerated. But in the end, I wrote that this is a "seldom report task in my life", and this statement is still correct. As a country and even an industry, we recovered from that hot summer, life returned to normal, and fans returned to the arena. I have traveled to two Olympic Games, three trips to Paris, two trips to the Middle East and Mexico, Southeast Asia, Spain and London, but I was impressed by the 54 days spent at Disney World, and these feelings were reflected through those who were willing to share their ideas. Strangely, of those 22 participating teams, only Heat's head coach Spoelstra is still in the position (although Tyron Lu was the Clippers' assistant coach at the time). This shows how quickly the NBA changes. However, when you look back on this experience ten years later, these memories and the memories left in my mind will still be vivid in my mind.

Original text: Joe Vardon

Compiled by: JayChan