NBA players and owners are now on the same side after two years of ups and downs. Early Saturday both sides reached a tentative agreement deal to end the 149 day NBA lockout. They hope to begin the delayed NBA season with a marquee triple header on the 25th December 2011 which is Christmas Day.

Once both sides approve on the deal most of the season which seemed doomed to be lost will instead be saved. Due to changes in scheduling the 2011-2012 NBA season will open with the Boston Celtics against the New York Knicks. Then the Dallas Mavericks against the Miami Heats in an NBA finals rematch. This is just before the Chicago Bulls and Lakers go head to head.

No side gave specific details regarding the deal although they still have to clear some legal hurdles. Executive director, Billy Hunter said that they thought it was in their best interest to try and reach a resolution to save the game. The NBA league plans to have a 66 game season and begin training camps on the 9th December 2011.

Miami Heat, Dwayne Wade stated that all he felt was “finally”. David Stern said that they were very pleased that they’d come this far.