The NBA playoffs of 2021 proved to be thrilling and unpredictable. The first round had a few standout moments. For instance, the Phoenix Suns took down the defending champions, the Los Angeles Lakers, in a 4-2 series. This was shocking because the Lakers, with LeBron James and Anthony Davis, seemed poised for another deep run. However, Davis’ injuries and the Suns’ immaculate play, particularly from Chris Paul and Devin Booker, turned the tide.
In the Eastern Conference, the first-round clash between the Milwaukee Bucks and Miami Heat saw a dominant display from the Bucks. The sweep in four games with a point differential of +24 showed their determination. Giannis Antetokounmpo, the two-time MVP, seemed focused and led his team effectively, averaging 23.5 points per game in the series.
Another memorable series involved the Atlanta Hawks and the New York Knicks. The young Hawks, led by Trae Young’s scoring prowess (averaging 29.2 points in the series), overcame the Knicks 4-1. This series reintroduced the world to the playoff atmosphere at Madison Square Garden, one of the most iconic venues in sports history. The Hawks’ efficient use of pick-and-roll and their resilient defense made the difference.
In the semi-finals, the Bucks faced the Brooklyn Nets in what many considered the series of the playoffs. Injuries plagued the Nets, with James Harden and Kyrie Irving missing time. However, Kevin Durant’s heroic 48-point effort in Game 7 nearly carried them through. The Bucks narrowly won the series in seven games with a decisive 115-111 overtime victory, securing their place in the Conference Finals. Giannis’ consistency, with averages of 31.9 points and 12.9 rebounds, proved pivotal.
The Western Conference Finals saw the Suns and Los Angeles Clippers battling out. The absence of Kawhi Leonard for the Clippers due to a knee injury left Paul George to lead the team. George performed admirably, putting up 26.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 6 assists per game. However, the Suns, riding the wave of Booker and Paul’s performances, clinched the series 4-2. Paul’s 41-point masterpiece in Game 6, sealing a 130-103 win, epitomized the Suns’ journey to the Finals.
The Eastern Conference Finals featured the Bucks and the Hawks. Trae Young, despite battling injuries, showed his brilliance. He had a 48-point game in Game 1, sensationally leading the underdog Hawks to a surprising victory. However, Giannis and the Bucks were relentless. The Bucks ultimately won the series in six games, with Khris Middleton stepping up when Giannis suffered a knee injury, highlighted by his 32-point effort in the clinching Game 6.
The Finals between the Phoenix Suns and Milwaukee Bucks were a fitting conclusion. The Suns took an early 2-0 lead, with Booker and Paul starring, appearing to be on the brink of the franchise’s first championship. However, the Bucks showed resilience, winning the next four games. This historic comeback was capped by Antetokounmpo’s legendary 50-point performance in Game 6, leading the Bucks to a 105-98 victory and their first championship in 50 years. Giannis’ performance earned him the Finals MVP, averaging 35.2 points, 13.2 rebounds, and 5 assists per game throughout the series.
The 2021 NBA Playoffs were remarkable for many reasons. The unpredictability, the emergence of young stars like Trae Young and Devin Booker, and the crowning of Giannis Antetokounmpo solidified this event as one of the most exciting seasons in recent history. For more details and highlights, visit the nba bracket playoffs 2021.