Man, 2021 NBA playoffs were something else. This year's format had a unique structure, and it kept everyone on their toes. First off, we can't talk about the playoffs without mentioning the introduction of the play-in tournament. It was a genius move by the league. We saw teams from the 7th to 10th seeds in each conference battle it out for a spot in the playoffs. The high stakes made those games a must-watch. Imagine being in the 7th or 8th seed and still having to fight to secure your spot!
I was particularly impressed by the play-in game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors. LeBron James, who turned 36 during the season, hit that unforgettable clutch three-pointer despite a poked eye. It showcased his remarkable efficiency and longevity in the game. Who can forget when he saw "three rims" due to his eye injury and still managed to nail the shot? That game alone set the tone for an exciting playoffs season.
Moving on to the playoffs, the Eastern and Western Conference matchups were intense. In the East, the Brooklyn Nets were the center of attention. They had acquired James Harden mid-season, pairing him with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. These three All-Stars were supposed to be unstoppable, but injuries plagued the team. Think about it, all three were healthy for less than 20% of their games together in the regular season. Despite this, they fought hard but ultimately fell short in the Conference Semifinals against the Milwaukee Bucks. Kevin Durant's foot on the line during Game 7's final shot is something fans will talk about for years. If it had been a three-pointer, the Nets would have advanced. Instead, it was a two, leading to overtime and eventually a Bucks' victory.
Speaking of the Bucks, Giannis Antetokounmpo was an absolute beast. After previous playoff disappointments, he delivered when it mattered the most. In the Finals against the Phoenix Suns, Giannis put on a performance for the ages in Game 6, scoring 50 points. It's hard to believe he’s only 26 years old. This performance not only won them the game but also secured the Bucks' first NBA Championship in 50 years. His block on Deandre Ayton’s alley-oop in Game 4 was awe-inspiring and arguably a turning point in the series.
On the other hand, the Western Conference had its own set of magic. The Phoenix Suns were the Cinderella story. Under the veteran leadership of Chris Paul, they overcame significant odds. CP3, who’s 36 years old, demonstrated that age is just a number. His leadership and playmaking were invaluable, leading the Suns to their first Finals appearance since 1993. Devin Booker, at 24, played like a seasoned star, dropping 40+ points games multiple times during their playoff run. The chemistry between Paul and Booker was off the charts.
One cannot overlook the Los Angeles Clippers’ journey either. For the first time in franchise history, they reached the Western Conference Finals. This feat was remarkable considering they lost Kawhi Leonard to a knee injury during the Conference Semifinals. Paul George stepped up big time, silencing many of his critics. There was no backing down for these Clippers. They played with heart and resilience, making their historic run memorable.
The Utah Jazz also need a mention. They clinched the best record in the regular season with a 52-20 record. Donovan Mitchell, at just 24 years old, was electric, and Rudy Gobert's defense was a fortress. Although they bow out in the Conference Semifinals, they displayed tremendous potential throughout the season. The Jazz's three-point shooting, led by Mitchell and Mike Conley, was among the best in the league with a 39.6% team average.
What about the Atlanta Hawks? No one saw them coming. Trae Young, mere 22 years old, became a breakout star. His performance against the New York Knicks and then the Philadelphia 76ers was jaw-dropping. The Hawks outperformed many seasoned teams, showcasing that they're a force to be reckoned with in the future.
The 2021 playoffs also marked a season where injuries played a significant role. The truncated 72-game schedule from the pandemic left many teams dealing with player fatigue and injuries. Key players like Jamal Murray, Jaylen Brown, and Kawhi Leonard missed significant games. This led to some unexpected twists and turns in the bracket, but it didn’t take away from the excitement. Instead, it made the journey to the Finals even more unpredictable and thrilling.
I must mention the Madison Square Garden, hosting playoffs after quite some time. The New York Knicks made a postseason return after an eight-year drought. The buzz in the Garden was palpable. Even though they lost to the Atlanta Hawks in the first round, the energy from the crowd, particularly when they chanted "Bing Bong," reminded everyone of the magic the Knicks can bring to the playoffs.
Overall, the 2021 playoffs were a roller-coaster ride with many firsts, unforgettable moments, and a lot of drama. The play-in tournament added a new layer of excitement, while the unexpected performances from young stars and veteran players alike kept us all glued to our screens. For those interested, you should definitely check out the nba playoffs 2021 bracket for a comprehensive view of how everything played out. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!