The “dead ball era” of basketball, spanning the 1940s and early 1950s, was characterized by slow-paced, low-scoring games. Pioneer teams like the Celtics, Knicks, Warriors, and Bulls relied on dominant centers like George Mikan. Coaches like Auerbach and Lapchick implemented innovative tactics. Fundamental rules such as the 10-second rule restricted scoring, while shooting techniques like the set shot prevailed. The era saw the rise of the NBA and the popular Harlem Globetrotters, cementing basketball’s popularity in the mid-20th century.
