If you're a fan of the NBA, the 2021 playoffs brought some thrilling key matchups that kept everyone on the edge of their seats. One of the most talked-about series was between the Brooklyn Nets and the Milwaukee Bucks. The Nets, equipped with their superstar trio of Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving, were expected to dominate. However, injuries played a significant role. Harden struggled with a hamstring issue, and Irving suffered an ankle injury, leaving Durant to carry much of the load. Despite averaging over 35 points per game, Durant couldn't single-handedly overcome the Bucks, who eventually won the series in seven games, highlighting the importance of having a full roster available in the intense playoff environment.
On the Western Conference side, the Phoenix Suns emerged as a surprising powerhouse. Their journey was marked by the leadership of Chris Paul and the scoring prowess of Devin Booker. Paul's experience and playmaking ability were crucial, especially in their series against the Los Angeles Lakers. The defending champions, led by LeBron James and Anthony Davis, seemed poised for another deep playoff run. However, Davis's groin injury in Game 4 shifted the momentum. Over the course of the series, Paul's 8.6 assists per game and Booker’s 29.7 points per game were instrumental in the Suns' victory, showcasing how injuries can alter the playoff landscape.
The series between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Atlanta Hawks was another shocker. Joel Embiid, despite a meniscus tear, averaged 30.4 points and 12.7 rebounds per game. However, it was Trae Young's breakout performance that caught everyone's attention. Young averaged 29 points and 10 assists per game, guiding the Hawks to a surprising victory in seven games. This series emphasized how an up-and-coming talent can make a significant impact, regardless of the opponent's regular-season dominance, as the 76ers had secured the top seed in the Eastern Conference.
Donovan Mitchell’s Utah Jazz had a stellar regular season, finishing with the best record in the league. However, they faced a tough challenge in the second round from the Los Angeles Clippers, led by Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. Despite Leonard suffering an ACL injury, George stepped up, averaging 29.6 points across the final three games of the series, propelling the Clippers to the Conference Finals. This matchup underscored the depth of the team and the importance of role players when superstar availability is compromised.
The Dallas Mavericks faced off against the Los Angeles Clippers in what turned out to be a gripping first-round series. Luka Dončić emerged as a star, averaging 35.7 points, 10.3 assists, and 7.9 rebounds per game. His performance in Game 7, where he scored 46 points, was nothing short of spectacular, although it wasn't enough to secure the win for the Mavericks. The Clippers advanced, but not without acknowledging the formidable challenge presented by Dončić. This series put a spotlight on individual brilliance in the playoffs, even if it doesn’t always translate to team success.
Another significant series was between the Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trail Blazers. Denver’s big man, Nikola Jokić, who later won the MVP award, dominated the court. He averaged 33 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game in the series. On the other side, Damian Lillard’s heroics, including a 55-point game with 12 three-pointers in Game 5, were spectacular but ultimately insufficient. The Nuggets advanced, showing that team depth and versatility often win out in the long haul of a playoff series.
The New York Knicks made the playoffs for the first time since 2013, facing the Atlanta Hawks in the first round. Julius Randle had an outstanding season leading up to the playoffs, averaging 24.1 points and 10.2 rebounds. However, the playoffs proved to be a different beast. Randle struggled, shooting only 29.8% from the field. Meanwhile, Trae Young thrived, averaging 29.2 points and 9.8 assists, leading the Hawks to a decisive series win. This matchup highlighted how regular-season success might not always carry over into postseason performance, with Young quickly becoming a household name.
One of the notable upsets in the 2021 playoffs was the Miami Heat getting swept by the Milwaukee Bucks. The Heat, who had made it to the Finals in the previous year, faced a well-rounded Bucks team hungry for redemption. Giannis Antetokounmpo, averaging 23.5 points, 15 rebounds, and 7.8 assists, was unstoppable. The Bucks flexed their defensive prowess, holding the Heat to under 100 points in two of the four games. This series demonstrated how key adjustments and player development over a year can turn the tables in a playoff rematch.
The showdown between the Boston Celtics and the Brooklyn Nets was highly anticipated due to the storyline of Kyrie Irving facing his former team. Despite Jayson Tatum scoring 50 points in Game 3, the Celtics couldn’t overcome the Nets’ firepower. Brooklyn’s trio of Durant, Harden, and Irving combined to average 85.2 points per game across the series, underscoring the significance of assembling high-octane offenses in modern playoff runs.
Lastly, the series between the Clippers and Mavericks stood out due to the Luka Dončić and Kawhi Leonard duel. Despite the Clippers losing the first two games at home, Leonard’s incredible resilience and scoring ability shined through. He put up 45 points in the crucial Game 6 to force a Game 7, where the Clippers ultimately prevailed. This series emphasized the psychological and physical demands of playoff basketball, showcasing how pivotal players can rise to the occasion when it matters most.
To keep track of all these intense matchups and more, you can find the full schedule of the 2021 NBA playoffs by clicking nba schedule playoffs 2021. The array of talent, the unexpected twists, and the memorable moments truly made the 2021 NBA Playoffs a spectacle for basketball enthusiasts worldwide.