The 2021 NBA Playoff Bracket Standings really provided a thrilling spectacle for all basketball fans. One of the most surprising aspects from the get-go was the dominance of the Phoenix Suns, a team that hadn't made the playoffs in over a decade. Chris Paul's leadership and Devin Booker's scoring prowess combined to make them a formidable opponent, a duo that truly delivered, which becomes apparent when you see their 51-21 regular season record. That’s a solid 70.8% win rate! Their success isn’t just a fluke; it’s the result of smart team-building and sheer grit.
Going a bit further, the Milwaukee Bucks put their stamp on the postseason by clinching the championship. Giannis Antetokounmpo's performance in the Finals was nothing short of legendary. Let's not forget his 50-point game in the closeout Game 6 against the Phoenix Suns, a feat that elevates him into the historical conversations alongside some of the greatest players. On that note, here’s a stat for you: Giannis averaged 35.2 points and 13.2 rebounds per game during the Finals.
The Brooklyn Nets, despite having one of the most stacked rosters with Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving, had a roller-coaster ride. Injuries plagued their postseason, leading to a somewhat disappointing exit in the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Milwaukee Bucks. Kevin Durant’s near-miss, stepping on the three-point line in the waning seconds of Game 7, still lingers in many fans’ minds. Had that shot been a three, we might be having a different conversation.
Then there's the Atlanta Hawks, who arguably were the dark horses of the 2021 playoffs. Under new head coach Nate McMillan, they finished the season with a 41-31 record. Notably, Trae Young turned into a villain of sorts, especially in their series against the New York Knicks. Madison Square Garden saw history in making when Trae, despite being just 22 years old, averaged 29 points and 9.5 assists per game in that series. His poise and performance under pressure were exemplary of a true star in the making.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers faced their own set of challenges. Coming off a truncated offseason, LeBron James and Anthony Davis couldn’t stay healthy throughout the season. The defending champions ended with a 42-30 record, just enough to scrape into the playoffs. Their first-round exit at the hands of the Phoenix Suns saw LeBron bow out in the first round for the first time in his storied career. This brings up questions about their roster and the future of their Big Two. Can they bounce back, or is it time to hit the reset button?
The Utah Jazz demonstrated why they secured the best record in the regular season, 52-20. Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert provided a balanced attack, melding both offensive firepower and defensive prowess. However, their journey ended in the Western Conference Semifinals against the Los Angeles Clippers. That series was a notable comeback for the Clippers, who were without Kawhi Leonard due to injury. Paul George stepped up significantly, showcasing why he’s known as "Playoff P." For example, his 41-point performance in Game 5 cemented his reputation when it counted the most.
Moving on to the Denver Nuggets, the MVP season of Nikola Jokic was something special. He put up numbers of 26.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game, making him the first center since Shaquille O’Neal to win the MVP award. Despite an early exit in the second round, it’s hard not to admire what they've built. Their young core shows immense potential, and it seems only a matter of time before they make a significant breakthrough.
The Dallas Mavericks found themselves once again leaning heavily on Luka Dončić. Luka’s sensational play resulted in averages of 35.7 points, 10.3 assists, and 7.9 rebounds per game in the first round against the Clippers. That said, their inability to get past the first round has posed some serious questions about their supporting cast and organizational decisions moving forward. Mark Cuban, owner of the Mavericks, has some choices to make if they wish to proceed deeper into future playoffs.
The entire 2021 NBA Playoff Bracket Standings gave us great insight into the resilience and struggles of each team. Who saw the rise of the Phoenix Suns and the surprising run by the Atlanta Hawks? Tough competitions, legendary performances, and dramatic finishes made this postseason a memorable one. If you want to relive these moments and check the nba standings playoffs 2021 bracket, it's worth a look!