Ultimate Analysis of NBA 2021 Playoffs Standing and Team Rankings
Looking back at the 2021 NBA playoffs, I can’t help but feel a mix of admiration and nostalgia. That postseason wasn’t just about who lifted the Larry O’Brien Trophy—it was a showcase of resilience, strategy, and some truly unforgettable performances. As someone who’s followed the league for years, both as a fan and an analyst, I’ve come to appreciate how much these standings reveal about team chemistry, coaching adaptability, and even front-office decisions made months earlier. Let me walk you through my take on how things unfolded, with a few personal observations along the way.
First off, the Brooklyn Nets entered the playoffs as heavy favorites, and honestly, it was hard to argue against that. With Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving sharing the floor, their offensive rating hovered around a staggering 118 points per 100 possessions during the regular season. But as we saw, having star power doesn’t always guarantee a smooth ride. Injuries plagued them at the worst possible time—Harden’s hamstring issue in the second round against Milwaukee was a gut punch. I remember thinking, "This is where depth matters more than headlines." The Bucks capitalized, with Giannis Antetokounmpo putting up 40 points in that critical Game 7, and honestly, it felt like a lesson in perseverance over pure talent.
Out West, the Phoenix Suns were the surprise package, at least for those who hadn’t been paying attention early on. Chris Paul’s leadership was nothing short of magical—he averaged 16.4 points and 8.9 assists while shooting 49% from the field. But what stood out to me was their defensive cohesion. They held the Lakers to under 100 points in multiple first-round games, and that set the tone for their entire run. Devin Booker’s 47-point explosion in the Conference Finals against the Clippers? Pure artistry. It’s moments like these that make you appreciate how young stars rise to the occasion.
Now, let’s talk about the Bucks’ championship run. Milwaukee’s defense tightened up when it mattered, limiting opponents to just 101.2 points per game in the Finals. Giannis’s 50-point closeout performance in Game 6 was historic, and I’ll admit, I didn’t see it coming after his knee scare earlier in the playoffs. But that’s the beauty of the NBA—underdogs can become legends overnight. On the flip side, the Utah Jazz’s early exit was a head-scratcher. They finished the regular season with a league-best 52-20 record, yet collapsed against the Clippers in the second round. Donovan Mitchell’s 39 points per game in that series were heroic, but their defense faltered badly, giving up 118 points in the deciding Game 6. It’s a reminder that regular-season success doesn’t always translate.
The play-in tournament added a fresh twist, and I loved the drama it brought. The Lakers securing the seventh seed after battling injuries all year felt like a statement, even if they eventually fell short. LeBron James averaged 23.3 points in the playoffs, but you could see the fatigue setting in. Meanwhile, the Hawks’ Cinderella story was fun to watch—Trae Young dropping 48 points in Game 1 against the Knicks set the tone for their unexpected Conference Finals appearance. From my perspective, Atlanta’s ball movement and Nate McMillan’s mid-season coaching adjustment were key factors that many analysts overlooked early on.
Reflecting on team rankings, the top five in my book were the Bucks, Suns, Nets, Clippers, and Hawks, in that order. Milwaukee’s balance between offense and defense sealed it for me, while the Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard absence in the later stages was heartbreaking. Paul George stepped up with 26.9 points per game in the Conference Finals, but it wasn’t enough. As for the lower-tier teams, the Knicks’ return to relevance was a feel-good story, but their offense sputtered at critical moments—Julius Randle’s shooting dipped to 29% from three in the playoffs, which hurt them badly.
Wrapping this up, the 2021 playoffs taught us that adaptability and health often trump raw talent. The Bucks’ journey, in particular, resonates with me because it highlights how a well-constructed roster can overcome adversity. Sure, the Nets might have won it all if injuries hadn’t struck, but that’s sports—it’s unpredictable and deeply human. As I look ahead, I’m excited to see how teams learn from these standings, whether it’s shoring up bench depth or trusting young stars in clutch moments. One thing’s for sure: the NBA never fails to deliver stories worth remembering.