As I sit down to map out the complete guide to the 2021 NBA playoffs, I can’t help but reflect on the whirlwind journey that led us here. Last season was one for the books—bubble basketball, emotional victories, and the Lakers clinching the title under the most unusual circumstances. I remember watching those games from my living room, feeling the intensity even through the screen. And now, as we gear up for another thrilling postseason, I’m struck by how quickly things change in the NBA landscape. Just the other day, I came across a quote from a player—I believe it was Spurs’ guard Quinndary Weatherspoon, who said, "I enjoyed my time with them. We achieved a lot last season. But I’ve got to flip the page." That sentiment really resonates with me, not just for players moving on but for fans and analysts like myself who have to shift focus from last year’s highs to this year’s fresh battles. It’s a reminder that in sports, as in life, we’re always turning pages, and the 2021 playoffs are the next exciting chapter.
The 2021 NBA playoffs kicked off on May 22nd with the Play-In Tournament, a new addition that added an extra layer of drama right from the start. I’ve got to say, I was skeptical at first—change can be tough—but watching teams like the Golden State Warriors and Memphis Grizzlies fight for those final spots got my heart racing. The main bracket officially began on May 22nd as well, with the first round running through early June. Let me break it down for you: we had 16 teams in the mix, split between the Eastern and Western Conferences, and the matchups were nothing short of epic. In the East, the Philadelphia 76ers, led by Joel Embiid, faced the Washington Wizards, and honestly, I was rooting for Philly—they’ve been building toward this for years, and Embiid’s dominance in the paint is a sight to behold. Over in the West, the Utah Jazz, who finished with the best regular-season record at 52-20, took on the Golden State Warriors, and I’ll admit, I had a soft spot for Steph Curry’s heroics, even if they fell short in the end. The conference semifinals followed from June 7th to around June 21st, and by then, the intensity had ramped up big time. I remember staying up late to watch the Phoenix Suns battle the Denver Nuggets—Devin Booker’s clutch performances had me on the edge of my seat, and I’m not ashamed to say I cheered when they advanced.
As we moved into the conference finals from June 23rd to July 3rd, the stakes got even higher. The Milwaukee Bucks versus the Atlanta Hawks in the East was a rollercoaster—Giannis Antetokounmpo’s athleticism is just unreal, and I’ve always been a fan of his relentless drive. But Trae Young’s underdog story had me hooked, too; that guy can shoot from anywhere, and it made for some unforgettable moments. In the West, the Suns continued their surprising run against the LA Clippers, and I’ll be honest, I didn’t see that coming. Chris Paul’s leadership has been a game-changer, and watching him orchestrate the offense is like seeing a master at work. The NBA Finals themselves started on July 6th and wrapped up by July 20th, with the Bucks ultimately lifting the trophy after a hard-fought series against the Suns. I have to say, I was thrilled for Milwaukee—they’ve been through so much, and Giannis deserved that MVP nod after putting up around 35.2 points per game in the finals. But let’s not forget the data side of things: the playoffs featured over 80 games in total, with average viewership hitting around 7.5 million per game, which is a solid bump from previous years, probably thanks to the return of live crowds in some arenas.
Throughout all this, I kept thinking back to that quote about flipping the page. For teams like the Lakers, who bowed out early, it’s a chance to reset, and as a fan, I’ve had to do the same—letting go of last season’s narratives to embrace the new rivalries and breakout stars. Personally, I loved seeing young teams like the Hawks make deep runs; it shakes up the old guard and keeps the league exciting. But I also have my biases—I’ve never been a huge fan of superteams, so watching homegrown talent succeed feels more authentic to me. The scheduling was tight this year, with games every other day on average, and I’ll admit, it was exhausting to keep up, but in a good way. By the time the confetti fell in Milwaukee, I felt like I’d been on a journey with these teams, and that’s what the playoffs are all about. In the end, the 2021 NBA playoffs were a testament to resilience and fresh starts, and as we look ahead, I’m already counting down to next season. Flip the page, indeed—because the next chapter is bound to be just as thrilling.
