Looking back at the 2021 NBA season, I can’t help but feel a mix of nostalgia and analytical curiosity. As someone who’s spent years studying team dynamics—not just in basketball but across different sports—I find the playoff race that year particularly compelling. It wasn’t just about star power or raw talent; it was about coaching, chemistry, and sometimes, a little bit of luck. I remember watching the National University Lady Bulldogs' volleyball campaign around that same period, where coaching changes and team leadership played a huge role in their title pursuit. That got me thinking: how much of the NBA’s playoff picture was shaped by similar behind-the-scenes factors?
Let’s start with the obvious—the Brooklyn Nets. They finished second in the Eastern Conference with a 48–24 record, and honestly, it’s hard not to admire their offensive firepower. Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving formed a trio that felt unstoppable on paper. But here’s my take: their success wasn’t just about individual brilliance. Steve Nash’s ability to manage egos and rotations reminded me of how coaching adjustments in volleyball can turn a good team into champions. I saw parallels with the Lady Bulldogs’ coach, who was tapped in October 2020 to lead a defending champion squad. In both cases, leadership mattered as much as talent. The Nets’ defense, though often criticized, tightened up just enough when it counted, allowing around 114 points per game but stepping up in clutch moments.
Out West, the Phoenix Suns were the story of the year. They surged to a 51–21 record, and I’ll admit, I didn’t see that coming early on. Chris Paul’s arrival transformed them from a promising young team into a legitimate contender. It’s funny—I’ve always believed that veteran leadership can accelerate a team’s growth, much like how experienced players in collegiate volleyball stabilize a squad during high-pressure matches. The Suns’ ball movement and defensive discipline were a joy to watch; they averaged over 26 assists per game, which, in my opinion, reflected their unselfish culture. Contrast that with the Lakers, who stumbled despite LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Injuries played a part, sure, but their lack of cohesion stood out. As a fan, it was frustrating to see such talent not fully click.
Then there were the surprises, like the New York Knicks finishing fourth in the East with a 41–31 record. Tom Thibodeau’s defensive schemes brought back a grit-and-grind mentality that I personally love. They held opponents to under 105 points per game, which is impressive in today’s pace-and-space era. It reminded me of how the Lady Bulldogs relied on structured plays and resilience to secure wins. On the flip side, the Golden State Warriors barely missed the playoffs, and I think their reliance on Stephen Curry—while spectacular—highlighted the limits of a one-man show. Curry dropped 32 points per game, but without Klay Thompson, the supporting cast often struggled. In my view, that’s a lesson in roster depth: you need more than one superstar to go far.
The play-in tournament added another layer of drama, and I have to say, I’m a fan. It kept more teams in the hunt and gave us thrilling games from squads like the Memphis Grizzlies and Boston Celtics. Memphis, led by Ja Morant, played with a fearlessness that’s rare for a young core. They averaged 113 points per game and seemed to thrive in chaos—something I’ve noticed in volleyball too, where underdog teams often punch above their weight with nothing to lose. Meanwhile, the Celtics’ Jayson Tatum put up 26 points and 7 rebounds per game, but their inconsistent defense left me wondering what could have been. If they’d tightened up earlier, they might have avoided the play-in scramble altogether.
Reflecting on all this, the 2021 playoffs weren’t just about who had the best players; they were about who built the best systems. The Milwaukee Bucks, for instance, leveraged Giannis Antetokounmpo’s dominance but also had role players like Jrue Holiday stepping up in key moments. That balance is crucial, and it’s something I’ve seen in volleyball championships where a star attacker needs a solid setter to shine. In the end, the Bucks won the title, and I think it was deserved—they peaked at the right time. But as a analyst, I can’t help but ponder the "what-ifs," like if the Nets had stayed fully healthy. It’s those nuances that make sports endlessly fascinating to me. The 2021 season taught us that playoffs aren’t just a test of skill, but of adaptability and heart.