I can’t believe how intense the 2021 NBA playoffs were. The first round alone saw some remarkable performances. For instance, the Phoenix Suns, the second seed in the Western Conference, faced off against the Los Angeles Lakers, the seventh seed. With Devin Booker dropping an average of 29.7 points per game and Chris Paul dishing out critical assists, the Suns clinched the series 4-2. The Lakers, despite LeBron James’ remarkable efforts — he averaged 23.3 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 8 assists per game — couldn’t cope with the Suns’ tenacity and lost their edge.
Meanwhile, the Eastern Conference had its share of thrills. The Milwaukee Bucks swept the Miami Heat 4-0, making a statement that they were serious contenders. Giannis Antetokounmpo was absolutely unstoppable, with 23.5 points, 15 rebounds, and 7.8 assists per contest. Compare that to Jimmy Butler, whose efforts fell short, averaging only 14.5 points and 7.5 rebounds. The Bucks showed superior strategy and execution, dwelling on their superior offensive rating, which stood at 120.6 during this series.
In the second round, the Brooklyn Nets, despite their star-studded roster featuring Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving, faced a shocking defeat. The series against the Milwaukee Bucks stretched to seven games. Kevin Durant played heroically, scoring a jaw-dropping 48 points in Game 7 alone, yet his foot landing on the line for a game-tying two-pointer instead of a game-winning three-pointer turned the tables in favor of the Bucks. James Harden, struggling with a hamstring injury, couldn’t contribute at his usual level, affecting Brooklyn’s offensive efficiency.
On the other hand, the Atlanta Hawks stunned everyone by defeating the top-seeded Philadelphia 76ers in a seven-game series in the Eastern Conference semifinals. Trae Young was a major factor, averaging 29.0 points and 10.9 assists per game. The Hawks’ ability to overcome a significant size disadvantage against the 76ers, who anchored their play around the towering Joel Embiid and his averages of 30.4 points and 12.7 rebounds, was truly commendable. This series alone gathered a lot of buzz on social media platforms, highlighting how unpredictable the playoffs can be.
Heading into the Western Conference Finals, the Phoenix Suns faced the Los Angeles Clippers. Devin Booker and Chris Paul led the charge, with Paul particularly stepping up his game. Chris Paul delivered a stellar performance in Game 6, scoring 41 points and propelling the Suns to a 130-103 victory. The Clippers, without their star Kawhi Leonard due to a knee injury, couldn’t keep up despite Paul George’s valiant efforts, including a remarkable 41-point outing in Game 6. The Suns truly utilized their depth and high-paced offense, which averaged 112 points per game in the series.
In the Eastern Conference Finals, Milwaukee Bucks battled the Atlanta Hawks. Even without Giannis Antetokounmpo for the last two games due to a hyperextended knee, the Bucks clinched the series in six games. Khris Middleton stepped up impressively, averaging 29 points in Games 5 and 6, while Jrue Holiday’s defense brought much-needed stability. The Hawks struggled with Trae Young’s injury woes, which visibly impaired his scoring consistency.
The NBA Finals offered an unforgettable showdown between the Phoenix Suns and the Milwaukee Bucks. The Suns took the initial lead with two wins, powered by Devin Booker’s explosive scoring and Chris Paul’s playmaking. However, the Bucks roared back with four consecutive victories to clinch the championship. Giannis Antetokounmpo’s performance was nothing short of legendary. In Game 6, Giannis scored 50 points and grabbed 14 rebounds, solidifying his reputation as one of the most dominant players in the league. The Finals MVP averaged 35.2 points, 13.2 rebounds, and 5 assists per game throughout the series, providing an efficiency display with a player efficiency rating (PER) of 37.1.
Milwaukee’s strategic adjustments, including Coach Mike Budenholzer’s defensive schemes that slowed down Chris Paul and the Suns’ offense, proved critical. In eight of their last ten possessions, Phoenix scored just once, underlining Milwaukee’s defensive mastery. Everyone will remember the iconic moment when Giannis blocked Deandre Ayton’s alley-oop attempt — a game-changing play that epitomized the Bucks’ resilience.
Overall, the 2021 playoffs were a thrilling journey through intense competition and unforgettable moments, showcasing incredible talent and strategic acumen. For detailed statistics and game analyses, you should check out the nba bracket playoffs 2021.