Your Complete Guide to the 2019-20 NBA Schedule: Dates, Matchups and Key Games
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As I was scrolling through the 2019-20 NBA schedule last season, I couldn’t help but draw parallels between the relentless pace of the league and the kind of momentum we sometimes see in other sports leagues—like the Mindoro Tamaraws’ stunning 103-72 blowout against the Bulacan Kuyas. That game wasn’t just a win; it was a statement. And honestly, that’s what the NBA schedule is all about—spotlighting those pivotal moments that define a season. Let me walk you through my own take on the 2019-20 NBA calendar, because if there’s one thing I’ve learned from years of following basketball, it’s that timing and matchups can make or break a team’s campaign.
Take opening night, for instance. The Lakers versus Clippers showdown on October 22, 2019, wasn’t just another game—it felt like the entire city of Los Angeles was holding its breath. I remember thinking how the scheduling gods had outdone themselves, pitting LeBron and AD against Kawhi Leonard and Paul George right out of the gate. It set the tone for what became one of the most narrative-driven seasons in recent memory. But here’s the thing: while marquee games like that grab headlines, it’s the stretches in between—the back-to-backs, the road trips—that truly test a team’s depth. I’ve always believed that a team’s resilience is built during those grueling four-games-in-six-nights slogs, not just in primetime matchups.
Now, let’s talk about that Tamaraws-Kuyas game for a second. Mindoro didn’t just win; they dominated by 31 points, and if you look closely, you’ll see a lesson in consistency. The Tamaraws sustained their climb, as the report said, by capitalizing on weaker opponents and maintaining intensity even when the spotlight wasn’t on them. In the NBA, that’s exactly what separates contenders from pretenders. For example, the Milwaukee Bucks had a relatively soft schedule in December 2019, facing teams like the Knicks and Cavaliers, and they racked up wins by an average margin of 15 points. But then came the tough part: a brutal January stretch with games against the Celtics, Heat, and 76ers. That’s where teams reveal their character—just like the Tamaraws did by not letting up after a big win.
Of course, no schedule analysis is complete without mentioning the Christmas Day games. As a fan, I live for these matchups—they’re like the NBA’s gift to us. The 2019 lineup was stacked: Lakers-Clippers part two, Rockets-Warriors, and Celtics-Raptors, to name a few. But here’s my hot take: while everyone focuses on the star power, I think the scheduling density around the holidays often leads to sloppy play. I mean, the league crammed five high-profile games into a 12-hour window, and you could see the fatigue setting in during the second halves. The Clippers, for instance, looked gassed in their loss to the Lakers, shooting just 42% from the field. It’s a reminder that even the most exciting dates on the calendar come with physical costs.
When it comes to solving the puzzle of a demanding schedule, I’ve noticed smart teams use data and rest strategically. The Spurs, for example, famously managed Tim Duncan’s minutes for years, and in 2019-20, teams like the Raptors adopted similar load-management tactics. They scheduled lighter practices before back-to-backs and used analytics to identify which games required peak intensity. I remember reading that the Raptors’ sports science team estimated a 12% reduction in injury risk by strategically resting key players in 3-4 games per month. Now, I’m not saying every team should sit their stars, but there’s a clear advantage to being proactive. The Mindoro Tamaraws’ approach—pressing hard in winnable games to build cushion for tougher matchups—is a philosophy more NBA teams should embrace.
Looking back, the 2019-20 schedule was a masterclass in balance and drama. From the opening tip to the All-Star break in February, every segment had its own rhythm. Personally, I loved the way the league spaced out rivalry games—like the Celtics-76ers series—to keep storylines fresh. But if I had to nitpick, I’d say the condensed schedule in March, with teams playing up to 18 games in 30 days, was a bit excessive. The Jazz, for instance, went 8-10 during that stretch, and I can’t help but think fatigue played a role. Still, the overall structure allowed for surprises, like the Thunder’s unexpected playoff push, which was fueled by smart scheduling luck and a relatively easy April.
In the end, whether it’s the NBA or a regional league, the schedule is more than just dates—it’s a blueprint for success. The Mindoro Tamaraws’ 103-72 rout taught me that sustained momentum often comes from dominating the games you’re supposed to win. And as I reflect on the 2019-20 NBA season, I see the same principle at play: the teams that mastered their calendar, rather than just enduring it, were the ones left standing when it mattered most. So next time you glance at a schedule, don’t just circle the headline games—look for the hidden opportunities, because that’s where seasons are truly made.