The NBA season 2021 proved to be a rollercoaster of emotions and remarkable achievements. First off, the Milwaukee Bucks clinched their first NBA Championship in 50 years by defeating the Phoenix Suns in a six-game series. Giannis Antetokounmpo, who led the Bucks with an incredible performance, clinched the Finals MVP by scoring 50 points in the series-clinching Game 6. His average of 35.2 points over the finals was the highest of his career, reflecting how dominant he was. Giannis’ performance provided a beacon for the league, showing how impactful a single player can be when at the peak of his powers.
On the opposite coast, the Los Angeles Lakers faced a disappointing early exit from the first round, where they lost to the Phoenix Suns in six games. Injuries played a crucial role in their demise, with both LeBron James and Anthony Davis missing significant time during the series. LeBron, who is now 36 years old, had one of the lowest scoring averages of his playoff career at 23.3 points per game during this series. Analysts pointed out that this could be due to the aging curve catching up with him, signaling a potential shift in the league’s power structure.
The regular season saw some incredible individual accolades as well. Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors won the scoring title at 32.0 points per game, making him the second-oldest player in NBA history to achieve this feat, only behind Michael Jordan. In addition, Curry broke numerous three-point records, including becoming the fastest to reach 300 three-pointers in a season, underscoring his dominance behind the arc.
Another noteworthy story was the emergence of young talents. Luka Dončić of the Dallas Mavericks continued to impress with his playmaking and scoring, averaging 27.7 points, 8.6 assists, and 8.0 rebounds per game. At just 22 years old, Luka has become a centerpiece for discussions about the future stars of the NBA. Similarly, Zion Williamson of the New Orleans Pelicans had a breakout year, averaging 27.0 points and 7.2 rebounds per game, often likened to a freight train in his ability to drive through defenses.
One can’t ignore the extraordinary achievements in the realm of defense as well. Rudy Gobert of the Utah Jazz claimed his third Defensive Player of the Year award, tying him with the likes of Dwight Howard. Gobert averaged 13.5 rebounds and 2.7 blocks per game, making significant contributions to Utah’s league-best 52-20 record. His defensive metrics showed that when he was on the floor, the Jazz allowed 10 fewer points per 100 possessions, emphasizing his value to the team beyond traditional box score stats.
Speaking of impact, the COVID-19 pandemic continued to create ripples throughout the season. The league implemented extensive health protocols, testing players daily and rescheduling dozens of games. According to some estimates, the NBA lost over $150 million in revenue due to the absence of fans in arenas for a significant portion of the season. Only later in the playoffs did arenas begin operating at near-full capacity, providing a much-needed boost in atmosphere and revenue.
The thrilling playoff run of the Atlanta Hawks also deserves mention. Considered underdogs in the East, the Hawks surprised many by advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals, led by the stellar play of Trae Young who averaged 28.8 points and 9.5 assists per game during the playoffs. In Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Milwaukee Bucks, Trae scored a career-high 48 points, immediately capturing headlines and elevating his reputation as one of the game’s premier young talents.
In the realm of coaching, significant changes marked the season as well. The Boston Celtics’ Brad Stevens transitioned to a front office role, leaving the team searching for a new head coach. Meanwhile, Nate McMillan, who took over as interim head coach of the Atlanta Hawks midseason, earned a contract extension after leading the team on its unexpected deep playoff run. McMillan’s strategic adjustments and ability to inspire his players drew praise from analysts and fans alike.
Additionally, the NBA Draft Lottery unfolded with the Detroit Pistons winning the first overall pick, allowing them to select Cade Cunningham, a highly-touted prodigy from Oklahoma State University. The draft class was widely considered one of the most talent-rich in recent years, with several players expected to make immediate impacts, reflecting the depth and excitement surrounding future NBA seasons.
The value and impact of analytics in basketball continued to rise as well. Teams increasingly relied on advanced metrics to adjust strategies and make in-game decisions. A notable example was how the Brooklyn Nets leveraged player efficiency ratings and offensive efficiency metrics to optimize their line-up rotations, particularly when managing the trio of Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving, who combined for over 80 points per game when healthy.
Even the trade deadline didn’t disappoint. The Chicago Bulls made a splash by acquiring Nikola Vučević from the Orlando Magic, hoping to bolster their playoff chances. Despite Vučević’s impressive stats, averaging 21.5 points and 11.5 rebounds per game after the trade, the Bulls fell short of making the playoffs, highlighting how team chemistry and fit play pivotal roles beyond just acquiring star players.
The 2021 season will be remembered for its resilience and adaptation in the face of unprecedented challenges. From exceptional individual performances to significant team achievements, it was one for the books, setting the stage for an equally compelling future in the NBA.