It's safe to say that the 2021 NBA playoffs didn't disappoint. I mean, who could forget the thrilling moments, buzzer-beaters, and unexpected turnarounds that kept fans on the edge of their seats? With 16 teams competing for the title, the games kicked off on May 22 and it was game on till the Finals in mid-July.
One thing that set the tone was the play-in tournament held just before the actual playoffs started. This series of games was like a final audition for the 7th and 8th seeds and let me tell you, it didn't disappoint. The Golden State Warriors, despite Steph Curry averaging 32 points per game, couldn't make it to the playoffs after falling to the Los Angeles Lakers and Memphis Grizzlies. That play-in hype, it was real!
Once the bracket was set, we hit the ground running. In the first round, the Milwaukee Bucks faced the Miami Heat in a rematch of last season's conference semifinals. Who could have predicted the Bucks sweeping the Heat in just four games? Giannis Antetokounmpo was a force, averaging a double-double with 23.5 points and 15 rebounds per game. If you love data like me, you know that was significant.
Over in the Western Conference, the showdown between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Dallas Mavericks did not disappoint. It went to a grueling seven games. Luka Doncic was phenomenal, dropping an average of 35.7 points per game, and Kawhi Leonard wasn't about to be outdone, putting up clutch performances in games 6 and 7 to help the Clippers advance.
In the semifinals, the spotlight was on the Brooklyn Nets vs. Milwaukee Bucks clash. An injury-plagued Nets team had to fend off the relentless Bucks. Kevin Durant nearly carried Brooklyn on his back and Game 7 was a masterpiece in itself. Durant's right foot was barely on the three-point line in the dying seconds of regulation, sending the game to overtime. However, the Bucks came out on top, thanks largely to a 40-point, 13-rebound, and 5-assist performance by Giannis.
And who could ignore the Phoenix Suns' incredible run? They demolished the Denver Nuggets in a four-game sweep. This was Chris Paul's big moment, putting on a clinic with an average assist-to-turnover ratio that's practically off the charts. According to ESPN, he managed a 41-point game in the series-clinching game 4, showing why he's considered one of the greatest point guards of all time.
The Conference Finals brought us some unforgettable moments. The Eastern Conference battle between the Bucks and the Atlanta Hawks was riveting. Trae Young was dazzling, leading his team to two upset victories and averaging 28.8 points per game. On the flip side, the Bucks’ Khris Middleton emerged as a clutch performer, sealing Game 3 with a stellar performance.
Shifting to the Western Conference, the Phoenix Suns faced the LA Clippers. Paul George gave everything he had, especially in Game 5 where he scored 41 points. But Phoenix's young core, led by Devin Booker’s scoring outbursts, secured their spot in the Finals. Booker averaged 25.5 points, but it was Deandre Ayton's alley-oop dunk in Game 2 that fans will remember for years.
And the Finals, oh boy. The Bucks squared off against the Suns. Pundits were split, but the Bucks prevailed in six games, clinching their first title in 50 years. Giannis was simply otherworldly, averaging 35.2 points, culminating in a historic 50-point performance in Game 6. It’s hard to argue against him being awarded the Finals MVP.
Click nba schedule playoffs 2021 for more detailed information.
It wasn't just the superstars who made their mark. Role players like Bobby Portis and Cameron Payne provided key contributions, impacting the game in ways the box score doesn't always show. Then, there were heartwarming stories like that of Jrue Holiday, whose stellar defensive play and big-time shots were invaluable for the Bucks.
And let’s not forget the fans returning to the arenas. Each game felt electrified compared to the previous season's bubble playoffs. A packed Fiserv Forum cheering on the Bucks in Game 6 was a testament to the role that fans play in this sport. Having arenas at full capacity meant more revenue, which according to Forbes, indicated a significant financial boost for the league.
This playoff season really highlighted the unpredictability and excitement of the game. Upsets, strategic masterclasses by coaches, and individual brilliance made it a memorable one. And, if next season is even half as good as this, we're in for a treat.