The 2021 NBA season brought an immense amount of excitement and nail-biting moments for all basketball fans, and it's no surprise that keeping up with the latest standings became almost a daily ritual for many. The season had 72 games per team, as opposed to the usual 82, due to adjustments made because of the COVID-19 pandemic. This reduction created an even more intense battle for the top positions.
Everyone remembers how the Brooklyn Nets stormed through the regular season, led by their "big three": Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving. Their offensive efficiency was off the charts, with a collective average scoring of around 118.6 points per game. This placed them first in the NBA for points per game, clearly demonstrating why they were major contenders for the championship.
On the flip side, the Utah Jazz made headlines as the surprise top-seed in the Western Conference. They achieved this with an exceptional 52-20 record, showing impressive team cohesion and defensive prowess. Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert played critical roles, with Gobert's average of 2.7 blocks per game leading the league and making a strong case for his third Defensive Player of the Year award.
The Los Angeles Lakers, despite their star-studded lineup featuring LeBron James and Anthony Davis, faced their fair share of challenges. Plagued by injuries for a substantial part of the season, they finished seventh in the Western Conference with a 42-30 record. This placed the Lakers in the unprecedented position of having to participate in the play-in tournament to secure their spot in the playoffs.
Speaking of the play-in tournament, it was an innovative addition to the NBA's structure meant to keep more teams competitive throughout the season. Teams ranked 7th to 10th in each conference fought for the last two playoff spots. This created some thrilling matchups and added another layer of excitement for the fans. The arena plus buzzed with discussions about whether this format should become a permanent fixture.
To contrast the success stories, the Houston Rockets endured a season to forget, finishing with the worst record at 17-55. The team's dismal performance highlighted the aftermath of James Harden's departure and a clear need for a rebuild. Amidst the losses, though, Christian Wood's breakout season provided a glimpse of hope, averaging 21 points and 9.6 rebounds per game.
So many unexpected twists came from this season. Take the New York Knicks, for instance, who were a breath of fresh air with their resurgence under coach Tom Thibodeau. Julius Randle's performance was outstanding, earning him the Most Improved Player award. The Knicks clinched the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference with a 41-31 record, proof of their dramatic turnaround.
In the Eastern Conference, the Philadelphia 76ers grabbed headlines by securing the top seed with a 49-23 record. Joel Embiid's MVP-caliber season was pivotal, with averages of 28.5 points and 10.6 rebounds per game. Doc Rivers’ first season as head coach rejuvenated the team, emphasizing a balanced approach between offense and defense.
In stark contrast, the Golden State Warriors were markedly different without Klay Thompson, who missed the entire season due to an Achilles injury. While Stephen Curry delivered an awe-inspiring season, leading the league in scoring with an average of 32 points per game, the Warriors narrowly missed the playoffs after falling in the play-in tournament.
Phoenix Suns also stood out, defying expectations by finishing second in the Western Conference with a 51-21 record. Chris Paul's leadership, combined with Devin Booker's scoring ability, propelled the Suns to newfound heights. It was their first playoff appearance since 2010, and fans were excited to see how far they could go.
Throughout the season, the defensive statistics were telling, with the New York Knicks allowing the fewest points per game at 104.7. On the other end of the spectrum, the Sacramento Kings struggled defensively, giving up an average of 117.4 points per game, the highest in the league.
As the post-season approached, the intensity of the games only increased. Teams knew that every play, every point mattered more than ever. From clutch three-pointers to remarkable defensive stands, each moment contributed to the storied history of the NBA.
No season would be complete without discussing the MVP race. Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets emerged as a frontrunner, showcasing his unique skill set as a center with the ability to pass, shoot, and rebound. He led the team to a 47-25 record, averaging 26.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game, a testament to his all-around game.
For a fan, keeping track of all these developments seemed almost like a part-time job, but it was worth every minute. Whether it was checking the updated standings, catching the highlights from the previous night's games, or diving into the sea of statistics and analyses, the 2021 NBA season never fell short of delivering excitement and drama by the bucketful.