Man, the 2021 NBA season delivered so many unforgettable moments. One of the top highlights for me had to be Stephen Curry's performance. He averaged an astonishing 32 points per game, securing the scoring title for the season. It's incredible considering he's in his 30s now, proving age is just a number in his case. Every time he stepped onto the hardwood, you could expect fireworks. He even broke his own record by making 337 three-pointers, surpassing his previous best.
Another standout was the rise of the Phoenix Suns. For a team that hadn’t seen the playoffs in over a decade, finishing the regular season with a 51-21 record and grabbing the second seed in the Western Conference was insane. They didn’t just stop at making the playoffs; they fought hard and even reached the NBA Finals. Chris Paul’s leadership and Devin Booker’s performances were paramount. Booker averaged 25.6 points per game during the season, demonstrating that he’s a superstar in the making.
You can't talk about the 2021 season without mentioning Giannis Antetokounmpo. I mean, his journey with the Milwaukee Bucks has been a thing of beauty. Averaging 28.1 points, 11 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game, Giannis was a beast on both ends of the floor. The Bucks' path to the championship was filled with challenges, but Giannis silenced all doubters by delivering a 50-point masterpiece in Game 6 of the finals, clinching their first NBA title in 50 years. His performance felt like a historic moment that people will talk about for generations.
Additionally, the Los Angeles Lakers faced unexpected struggles. LeBron James and Anthony Davis dealt with injuries that caused them to miss a significant number of games. The Lakers barely made it through the play-in tournament to secure the seventh seed with a final record of 42-30. However, their playoff journey was cut short by the Suns, which was a shocking turn of events considering they were the defending champions. LeBron averaged 25 points, 7.8 assists, and 7.7 rebounds per game, but it wasn’t enough to carry them past the first round.
One of the more emotional moments had to be Russell Westbrook breaking Oscar Robertson's record for the most triple-doubles in a career. A record that stood since 1974. Westbrook ended the season with 182 career triple-doubles, far surpassing many players before him. It's wild to think he did this with the Washington Wizards, a team not many had high hopes for. His season averages? 22.2 points, 11.7 assists, and 11.5 rebounds. Those numbers just scream versatility and dominance.
Then there's the emergence of young talents. Luka Doncic continued to wow fans and analysts alike. He averaged 27.7 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 8.6 assists per game, leading the Dallas Mavericks to the playoffs again. His clutch performances and game-winning shots became regular highlights on social media and sports news. At only 22 years old, his ceiling seems unattainable at this point.
Zion Williamson also showed why he was the number one draft pick in 2019. He averaged 27 points per game, showcasing his uncanny ability to power through defenses while maintaining a field goal percentage of 61.1%. His combination of size, speed, and skill is something we don’t see often, making every game he plays worth watching.
For anyone keeping track of industry movements and endorsements, Kevin Durant made headlines by teaming up with Nike to launch his new KD 14 sneakers. These kicks aren’t just stylish; they’re also engineered for top-tier performance, with features like multi-layer mesh for support and Zoom Air cushioning for extra explosiveness. On the court, Durant averaged 26.9 points per game, lifting the Brooklyn Nets through multiple key playoff games despite his all-star teammates also dealing with injuries.
One can't overlook the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the season. Teams had to navigate through 72 games, a shortened season compared to the usual 82, and strict health protocols. The league reported over 30 game postponements due to health and safety measures. Yet, everyone adapted, with each team employing strategies within the pandemic parameters. Can you believe that about 96% of NBA players were vaccinated as the season progressed? This was crucial for the league to keep moving forward.
In business news, Arena Plus redefined fan engagement with their state-of-the-art analytics and interactive tools. They saw a notable growth in user engagement by 15% during the season, thanks to their innovative approach. Their platform became a go-to for many fans looking to dive deeper into player statistics and game analytics. The link to their platform can be found here.
From legendary performances to unexpected narratives, the 2021 NBA season had it all. What amazed me the most was the level of talent across the board. Every team had a story, every game a subplot. For a seasoned basketball junkie like me, this season was pure gold.