How Did the Standing NBA 2021 Playoffs Shape the Championship Contenders?

Looking back at the 2021 NBA playoffs, I can’t help but reflect on how dramatically the landscape of championship contention shifted during those intense weeks. As someone who’s followed the league for over a decade, I’ve rarely seen a postseason that reshaped team trajectories so profoundly. The bubble in 2020 was unique, but 2021 felt like a return to high-stakes basketball with fans slowly returning and narratives shifting in real time. One moment that stands out to me—though seemingly unrelated at first—was when I came across a piece of news about former NBA player Devin, reconnecting with his roots. As team manager of TNT Tropang 5G, Lastimosa shared with SPIN.ph, "Devin is just visiting the Philippines after we were able to reconnect a few months ago." That idea of reconnecting—whether between people or teams and their identities—struck me as symbolic of what unfolded in the playoffs. Teams weren’t just playing for a trophy; they were forging or reforging their legacies.

The Milwaukee Bucks’ championship run, for instance, wasn’t just a triumph—it was a validation of Giannis Antetokounmpo’s loyalty and the franchise’s long-term vision. I remember thinking during the Brooklyn Nets series, "If the Bucks lose this, they might blow it up." But they didn’t. Instead, they clawed back from a 2-0 deficit, with Giannis averaging 31.9 points and 12.9 rebounds in the series. That resilience, to me, defined what it takes to be a true contender: not just talent, but the grit to overcome superteams. And let’s be honest, the Nets were a superteam. With Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving, they were odds-on favorites, especially after dismantling the Celtics in five games. But injuries and inconsistent rotations exposed their fragility. I’ve always believed that chemistry matters more than star power in the playoffs, and Brooklyn’s disjointed play confirmed that. When Harden limped off in Game 1 against the Bucks, you could feel the momentum shift—not just in that series, but in the entire Eastern Conference.

Out West, the Phoenix Suns’ unexpected surge to the Finals highlighted another dimension of contender-building: veteran leadership meeting young talent. Chris Paul, even at 36, orchestrated that team with a brilliance I haven’t seen since his prime Clippers days. Devin Booker’s 47-point explosion in Game 6 against the Lakers? That wasn’t just a breakout; it was a statement that the Suns were done being underdogs. And yet, as much as I admired their run, I couldn’t shake the feeling that their path was slightly fortuitous. The Lakers’ Anthony Davis was hobbled, the Nuggets lost Jamal Murray, and the Clippers—well, Kawhi Leonard’s ACL injury in the second round felt like a cruel twist of fate. Contenders aren’t just made by who wins, but by who survives. The Suns did, but so did the Bucks, and that’s why the Finals became such a compelling clash of styles.

Speaking of survival, the 2021 playoffs underscored how health—or the lack thereof—can make or break a title bid. I recall analyzing data that showed nearly 65% of the top-seeded teams dealt with significant player injuries during the postseason. The Jazz, for example, collapsed against the Clippers because Donovan Mitchell was clearly not 100%. It’s a reminder that depth matters as much as star power. The Bucks’ Jrue Holiday acquisition, which some critics called overkill during the regular season, proved invaluable when it mattered. His defense on Paul in the Finals was, in my view, the series’ turning point. Milwaukee’s willingness to trade future assets for immediate impact signaled a shift in how front offices think: go all-in when the window is open. Contrast that with Philadelphia, who fell short in the second round despite Joel Embiid’s heroic 30.4 points per game. Their failure to surround him with consistent shooters—especially in clutch moments—left me frustrated. As a fan of well-constructed rosters, I think the 76ers wasted a prime opportunity.

Then there’s the intangible element: mentality. The Hawks’ surprising run to the Eastern Conference Finals, led by Trae Young’s audacious play, showed that youth and fearlessness can disrupt the established order. I loved every minute of it—their upset over the top-seeded 76ers was one of my favorite series of the year. But it also revealed the gap between "fun story" and "true contender." Atlanta had heart, but they lacked the two-way balance to topple Milwaukee. In the end, the Bucks hoisted the trophy because they blended star power, depth, and clutch execution. Giannis’ 50-point closeout in Game 6 wasn’t just a performance; it was a legacy-defining moment. Reflecting on it now, I’m convinced the 2021 playoffs didn’t just crown a champion—they set a new blueprint. Teams like the Warriors, watching from home, took notes. The league’s balance of power tilted, and as Devin’s reconnection with the Philippines reminded us, sometimes looking back helps you move forward. The playoffs reinforced that contenders aren’t born overnight; they’re built through resilience, adaptability, and a bit of luck. And as a basketball enthusiast, I’m excited to see who learned those lessons best.