The 2021 NBA Playoffs drive me nuts, and keeping track of everything can be tricky without the Arena Plus updates. The playoffs started on May 22nd, 2021, and boy, they’ve been a wild ride. I remember the first game like it was yesterday. The intensity, the competition, and the literal blood, sweat, and tears poured out by these incredible athletes have all made this a historic season. What’s astonishing is how much these games mean to the players and the fans. I mean, can you believe that LeBron James, at 36, is still one of the top contenders? His age isn’t slowing him down a bit, proving how phenomenal his career has been.
The games kicked off with 16 teams—8 from the Eastern Conference and 8 from the Western Conference. It fascinated me to see the Brooklyn Nets with their stacked roster. Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden, forming a super team that fans anticipated with bated breath. Their season stats backed their hype, with Durant averaging 26.9 points per game and Irving not far behind at 26.9 points. One might think injuries or team cohesion issues could hamper them, but nope, they cruised through the first round against the Boston Celtics, winning the series 4-1. The Celtics, on the other hand, suffered from Jaylen Brown's absence due to wrist surgery, which was a massive setback for them. Imagine, the team's second-highest scorer sidelined at such a crucial juncture.
Let's talk about the Milwaukee Bucks. This team blew my mind, especially Giannis Antetokounmpo. The guy is a beast! A two-time MVP, standing at 6'11", and an athletic prowess that didn’t falter under pressure. He led the Bucks through a gripping series against the Miami Heat, sweeping them 4-0 in the first round. And those games weren’t just about winning; they were a statement. Giannis averaged 23.5 points and 15 rebounds per game in that series, which is beyond impressive. Jimmy Butler and the Heat couldn’t match up, with Butler averaging only 14.5 points per game—such a stark decline from his regular season performance.
Over in the Western Conference, the Phoenix Suns turned heads. Chris Paul’s leadership and Devin Booker’s scoring were pivotal. Paul averaged 8.9 assists per game, showcasing his quintessential playmaking ability. Booker, on the other hand, averaged 27.3 points per game during the playoffs. They overcame the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round 4-2. This series had me on edge. LeBron James and Anthony Davis tried to hold their ground, with LeBron averaging 23.3 points per game. But Davis’s groin injury in Game 4 shifted the momentum. It just goes to show how critical physical fitness and health are in these high-stakes games.
Denver Nuggets—man! Nikola Jokic carried his team with such grace, earning his rightful MVP title. His performance was out of this world, averaging 26.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game. Watching them battle the Portland Trail Blazers in the first round was exhilarating. Damian Lillard dropping 55 points in Game 5, including 12 three-pointers, left me speechless, yet Jokic’s well-rounded gameplay and team coordination ultimately clinched the series for Denver, 4-2.
Utah Jazz and their top-seeded run behind Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert were remarkable. Gobert, a defensive linchpin, averaged 2.7 blocks per game and cemented his spot as a top defensive player in the league. Their 4-1 series win over the Memphis Grizzlies showcased their depth and versatility. Mitchell, despite nursing an ankle injury, didn’t let that hinder his performance, leading the team with an average of 28.5 points. Grizzlies' Ja Morant had flashes of brilliance, no doubt, but the experience and well-rounded play style of the Jazz overshadowed them.
In the second round, my eyes were glued to the TV, witnessing the Brooklyn Nets and Milwaukee Bucks series. It felt like a clash of titans. After going toe-to-toe for seven games, the Bucks came out victorious. Durant left everything on the floor, averaging 34.3 points per game in the series, and that Game 7 performance where he scored 48 points almost sealed the deal for Brooklyn. But Giannis, with his relentless drives and crucial rebounds, pushed the Bucks to advance. It’s surreal sometimes to see how much a single series can take out of these athletes, both physically and emotionally.
Phoenix Suns’ journey moving past Denver Nuggets in the semifinals was no easy feat. It was a sweep, 4-0, but every game was a battle. Jokic, despite his best efforts, couldn’t match the Suns’ momentum, highlighting how essential team chemistry and balanced contributions are in these crunch moments. I still recall Paul’s masterclass performance in Game 4, where he put up 37 points, which was vintage Chris Paul. Such moments stick with you, exemplifying why he’s considered one of the best point guards of all time.
The Conference Finals were nerve-wracking. Hawks’ Trae Young emerged as a breakout star, but the Milwaukee Bucks clinched the series 4-2, with Giannis and Khris Middleton stepping up. Middleton’s Game 6 heroics, scoring 32 points and ensuring the Bucks’ first finals appearance since 1974, were clutch. The Suns, facing the Clippers, with Paul George doing everything in his power to make it competitive, eventually succumbed 4-2 to Phoenix’s tactical play. Booker’s consistency and Paul’s leadership shone through, emphasizing how critical experience is in reaching the finals.
The Finals between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Phoenix Suns were a story for the ages. Giannis’ 50-point performance in Game 6 will be remembered for decades. He demonstrated why perseverance and grit are essential, especially when stakes are highest. The Bucks’ 4-2 series win brought them their first championship in 50 years, and the celebration was a sight to behold. Moments like these make you appreciate the essence of sports—unpredictable, exhilarating, and deeply human.