I remember eagerly waiting for the 2021 NBA Playoffs. The buzz around the league that year was simply electrifying. The games commenced on May 22, which stands out as an earlier start, considering the usual mid-April marks for past seasons. You gotta consider the effects of COVID-19 pushing everything back a bit; it was quite the logistical feat.
The first round had some nail-biting matchups. One particularly thrilling series was between the Phoenix Suns and the Los Angeles Lakers. The Suns, ranking 2nd in their conference, took on the Lakers, who had slipped to the 7th seed partly because of injuries to key players like LeBron James and Anthony Davis. The Suns clinched the series 4-2, with Devin Booker dropping an impressive 47 points in Game 6. His shooting efficiency was off the charts, hitting 70% from the field that night.
I couldn’t forget the Brooklyn Nets’ powerhouse team either. With Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden, they were practically the favorites by most analysts. Their first-round matchup against the Boston Celtics wasn’t much of a challenge. I remember the Game 4 when Durant and Harris combined for 79 points, decimating the Celtics. The Nets wrapped that series up 4-1, proving their dominance early.
The Milwaukee Bucks had their eyes set on redemption after a disappointing playoffs in 2020. They faced the Miami Heat in the first round, a team that had eliminated them the previous season. In an act of sheer force, Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks swept the Heat 4-0. Giannis recorded a triple-double in the series-clinching game, highlighting his versatile skill set and earning respect across the league.
As the playoffs progressed, the competition only became fiercer. In the semifinals, the Nets faced the Bucks in a series for the ages. Despite the Nets taking a commanding 2-0 lead, the Bucks fought back, stretching the series to a thrilling Game 7. Durant's unforgettable performance in Game 5, where he scored 49 points, 17 rebounds, and 10 assists, still gave me chills. But Game 7 was all about resilience. Giannis led the Bucks to an overtime victory, scoring 40 points and thus advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals.
Over in the Western Conference, the Suns faced the Denver Nuggets. Despite Nikola Jokić winning the MVP and showcasing his extraordinary playstyle, the Suns were relentless. Led by Chris Paul and Devin Booker, they swept the Nuggets 4-0. That Suns team played a blend of old-school and modern basketball that took advantage of every opportunity, showcasing their tactical brilliance.
Then came the Conference Finals. The Suns matched up against the Los Angeles Clippers, who had made their first Conference Finals appearance in the franchise's history. Despite the Clippers missing Kawhi Leonard due to injury, they put up a valiant effort. The series went six games. One game that particularly stood out was Game 2, often referred to as the "Valley-Oop" game, where Deandre Ayton dunked with just fractions of a second remaining to seal a win. That moment became an instant classic in playoff history.
In the Eastern Conference, the Bucks went against the Atlanta Hawks, who had been the underdogs throughout the playoffs. The Hawks had surprised many by knocking off the 76ers, with Trae Young emerging as a breakout star. Despite facing adversity and Trae's thrilling performances, the Bucks were able to secure a spot in the Finals in six games. Giannis’s hyperextended knee injury in Game 4 was an initial scare, but the team rallied, showcasing their depth and tactical adjustments.
The NBA Finals were a showdown between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Phoenix Suns. The series reflected two teams desperate for glory; the Bucks hadn't won since 1971, and the Suns had never claimed the title. The Suns quickly took a 2-0 series lead, with Chris Paul orchestrating plays like a maestro. But in Game 3, the Bucks stormed back. Giannis dominated with back-to-back 40-point games in Game 3 and Game 4. His Game 6 performance, scoring 50 points and grabbing 14 rebounds, was one of the greatest Finals performances of all time. The Bucks won the series 4-2, clinching their first NBA Championship in 50 years. The Finals MVP was rightfully awarded to Giannis Antetokounmpo, who solidified his legacy as one of the game's greats.
For an in-depth look at the full schedule and matchups from the 2021 NBA Playoffs, check this nba schedule playoffs 2021. The entire playoffs were a spectacle of raw talent, strategic mastery, and iconic performances that have already become timeless in the annals of basketball history.