Ultimate Guide to the 2021 NBA Playoffs: Key Matchups and Predictions

2025-11-19 17:02

I remember sitting in my living room last May, watching the NBA playoffs unfold with that familiar mix of professional analysis and pure fan excitement. The 2021 postseason was particularly fascinating because it represented a return to some semblance of normalcy after the bubble experiment, yet it maintained unique characteristics that made it unforgettable. Having covered basketball for over a decade, I've learned that championship teams often reveal their identity during these high-stakes matchups, and last year's tournament was no exception.

The Eastern Conference presented what I considered the most compelling narrative with the Brooklyn Nets' superteam facing their first real test. Kevin Durant returning from his Achilles injury at near-peak form was something I'd cautiously optimistic about, having seen similar career trajectories derailed by such significant injuries. Yet there he was, putting up 34.3 points per game against Milwaukee in that epic second-round series, a performance that reminded everyone why he's arguably the most complete scorer in league history. The Nets' eventual loss to the Bucks in seven games came down to injuries more than anything else - with Kyrie Irving missing three games and James Harden playing through a hamstring issue. Milwaukee capitalized on their opportunity, with Giannis Antetokounmpo's 40-point closeout performance in Game 7 showcasing his evolution from regular-season phenom to playoff performer.

What struck me about the Western Conference was the Phoenix Suns' unexpected dominance. I'll admit I was skeptical when Chris Paul joined the team, wondering if at 36 he could still elevate a young core to championship contention. Their first-round sweep of the Lakers, while aided by Anthony Davis' injury, demonstrated a maturity I hadn't seen from Phoenix in years. Devin Booker's 47-point closeout performance against the Clippers in the conference finals wasn't just impressive - it announced his arrival as a legitimate superstar who could deliver when it mattered most. The Suns played with a cohesion that reminded me of the 2014 Spurs, with ball movement and defensive communication that belied their relative playoff inexperience.

The championship series between Milwaukee and Phoenix gave us one of those classic NBA Finals where narratives collided. Giannis' 50-point masterpiece in Game 6 wasn't just statistically impressive - it was historically significant, making him just the seventh player to score 50 in a Finals closeout game. What many casual fans might not appreciate is how Milwaukee's defensive adjustments throughout the series, particularly their ability to limit Phoenix's pick-and-roll effectiveness after Game 2, ultimately decided the championship. As someone who values defensive execution as much as offensive fireworks, I found Milwaukee's ability to hold Phoenix under 105 points in three of their four victories particularly telling.

While analyzing these marquee matchups, I can't help but draw parallels to the reference material about team reunions and chemistry. The success of teams like Milwaukee and Phoenix underscores what I've always believed - that continuity and familiar relationships often trump raw talent in playoff scenarios. Watching Jrue Holiday integrate with Giannis and Middleton reminded me of how important those existing connections can be, much like the reunion mentioned between Albano and Racela. These relationships create shortcuts in communication and trust that become magnified under playoff pressure.

The 2021 playoffs also highlighted the growing importance of three-point shooting in today's game. Teams that attempted at least 35 threes per game in the postseason won at a 62% clip, compared to just 48% for those below that threshold. Yet what fascinated me was watching teams like Atlanta succeed with a more balanced approach, proving that while the three-pointer has revolutionized basketball, there's still room for multiple offensive philosophies to thrive.

Reflecting on last year's tournament, what stands out most isn't any single performance or result, but rather how the playoffs reinforced fundamental basketball truths. Defense still wins championships, as Milwaukee demonstrated by holding opponents to 101.2 points per game in their series-clinching victories. Superstars still determine outcomes, with the eventual champion featuring a top-five player performing at his peak. And perhaps most importantly, team chemistry and continuity matter more during the grueling two-month playoff journey than during the entire 82-game regular season. As we look toward future postseasons, the lessons from 2021 will undoubtedly influence how teams construct their rosters and how analysts like myself evaluate championship contenders.