The 2021 NBA Playoffs gave us some of the most exhilarating games in recent history. The Phoenix Suns and Milwaukee Bucks ultimately made it to the finals, but the journey there was nothing short of legendary. Taking a look at the stats, the Bucks managed an impressive 76% field goal percentage in their Game 6 win against the Atlanta Hawks. This was a pivotal moment, showcasing Giannis Antetokounmpo’s incredible efficiency on the court. Giannis averaged 29.2 points per game during the entire playoff series, proving why he's considered one of the most dominant players in the league.
One cannot discuss these playoffs without mentioning the Brooklyn Nets and their series against the Bucks. Game 7 will be remembered for Kevin Durant's near-heroic performance. With just a toe on the line, his 3-pointer turned into a 2-pointer, tying the game instead of winning it. Durant scored 48 points in that game, setting a new record for most points in a Game 7 in NBA history. His 90.4% free-throw percentage during the playoffs further solidified his position as one of the clutch performers.
Over in the West, the Phoenix Suns showed true resilience. Chris Paul, 36 years old at the time, played like a rookie with something to prove. In the series against the Clippers, Paul put up 41 points in Game 6, securing their place in the finals. His extraordinary playmaking, with an average of 8.6 assists per game, helped elevate Phoenix’s overall game. Devin Booker also shone brightly, scoring 40+ points multiple times, including an unforgettable 47 points in Game 6 against the Lakers. This duo’s performance exemplified what it means to rise under pressure.
Speaking of the Lakers, the defending champions faced a shocking first-round exit. LeBron James and Anthony Davis could not overcome the Suns’ relentless attack. It’s rare to see LeBron bow out this early; in fact, this was the only first-round exit of his career. The Lakers' exit was a stark reminder that no team is invincible, not even one led by a four-time NBA champion.
What makes the 2021 playoffs even more intriguing is the rise of the underdogs. The Atlanta Hawks, led by the young Trae Young, stunned seasoned teams left and right. Young averaged 28.8 points and 9.5 assists per game during the playoffs, becoming the youngest player to score 40 or more points in multiple playoff games. His leadership and fearless attitude were reminiscent of legends like Allen Iverson. Notably, the Hawks managed to dismantle the top-seeded 76ers in a grueling seven-game series, showcasing their potential for future glory.
The Dallas Mavericks and the LA Clippers also had a series worth remembering. Luka Dončić put on a show, averaging an astounding 35.7 points per game, the highest in the playoffs. His duel with Kawhi Leonard was one for the ages. Kawhi had his moments too, scoring 45 points in Game 6 and 28 points in Game 7 to clinch the series. It was a battle of the titans, and every moment was electric.
The stats only tell part of the story. The emotional highs and lows, the buzzer-beaters, and the sheer spectacle of the games made this postseason special. We can look at the numbers, like the Bucks’ 109.8 points per game average during the playoffs, but it's the unforgettable moments that fans will cherish for years to come. The way Jrue Holiday’s lockdown defense in crucial moments came through, or how Deandre Ayton’s game-winning alley-oop in Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals had fans on their feet. These events defined the 2021 playoffs as a rollercoaster of emotions and surprises.
From a technical perspective, player efficiency ratings (PER), win shares, and true shooting percentages offered deeper insights into individual performances. For instance, Nikola Jokić’s 31.3 PER showcased why he was the regular season MVP. Yet, despite his Herculean efforts, the Denver Nuggets fell short against the Suns in the second round. It was a stark reminder that basketball remains a team sport, where one player’s brilliance cannot always overcome an opponent’s cohesive unit. The playoffs also illustrated the importance of adaptability. Teams that could make in-game adjustments, like the Bucks switching to a more defensive lineup, often emerged victorious.
Every game, every series, and every stat added a new layer to the compelling narrative of the 2021 NBA Playoffs. It was a season where legends were both solidified and newly minted, with unforgettable performances at every turn.