The 2021-22 NBA season kept everyone on their toes with a few shocking moments no one saw coming. Take the incredible performance of Ja Morant, for instance. Averaging 27.4 points per game at just 22 years old, this young man took the league by storm with his electrifying play. This surge in his performance put him in serious consideration for the MVP race, something not many saw coming. People could physically feel the electricity in each game he played.
Luka Dončić also continued to amaze everyone. Recording triple-doubles seemed almost routine for him. In a game against the Los Angeles Clippers, he pulled off a mind-blowing 51 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists. These stats elevated him, making hard-core fans question if anyone else could pull off such feats at just 23 years of age. The buzz around Luka just wouldn’t die down.
But let’s not forget about the Golden State Warriors, who had a resurgence. They bolstered their lineup with the return of Klay Thompson from a long-term injury. Everyone remembers his 38-point performance against the Cleveland Cavaliers after being out for 941 days. That game showed he hadn’t lost his touch and boosted team morale instantly.
Then we had the surprising dominance of the Memphis Grizzlies. They ended the regular season second in the Western Conference with a 56-26 record. Many analysts didn’t predict such a high-rate success for a team that young. The Grizzlies showcased exceptional teamwork and tenacity, trademarked by memorable moments, like their 73-point victory against the Oklahoma City Thunder, setting an NBA record for the largest margin of victory.
Speaking of records, who could forget Stephen Curry breaking the all-time record for three-pointers made? On December 14, 2021, Curry surpassed Ray Allen’s record, achieving a new pinnacle of 2,974 three-pointers in a game against the New York Knicks. That moment added another chapter to Curry’s already illustrious career, and fans couldn’t stop buzzing about it.
The Chicago Bulls also caused quite a stir. They became a strong contender early in the season, thanks to the addition of DeMar DeRozan. DeRozan scored a buzzer-beater in back-to-back games, something not seen since Larry Bird. His impressive stats, such as averaging 27.9 points per game, demonstrated he had plenty left in the tank, rejuvenating the Bulls’ offense.
And let’s not overlook the NBA’s implementation of the play-in tournament. This short, dynamic addition kept everyone on their seats, featuring an intense matchup between the Brooklyn Nets and Cleveland Cavaliers. The Nets, led by Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, managed to secure their place in the playoffs with a thrilling victory. The play-in format extended the suspense of the season and proved, with live viewership metrics, to be a hit among fans.
The Phoenix Suns continued to rock the league. Keeping up their momentum from the previous season, they clinched the best record in the league at 64-18. Chris Paul and Devin Booker’s chemistry on the court was simply undeniable. Paul’s leadership and precision passes complemented Booker’s scoring prowess perfectly, making them a formidable duo.
One of the most alarming moments came with the downfall of the Los Angeles Lakers. Despite having superstars like LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Russell Westbrook, they failed to make it to the playoffs. Their 33-49 record left many scratching their heads, especially considering their substantial payroll. Injuries, poor team chemistry, and inconsistent performances spelled disaster for a team with championship aspirations.
Zion Williamson’s absence also raised eyebrows. Expected to be a cornerstone for the New Orleans Pelicans, Williamson sat out the entire season due to a foot injury. Fans and analysts were eager to see him build on his previous season’s performance, where he averaged 27 points and 7.2 rebounds per game. His absence created a void in the Pelicans’ lineup that was hard to fill.
The emergence of teams like the Miami Heat also caught everyone off guard. With Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, and the addition of Kyle Lowry, the Heat clinched the top seed in the Eastern Conference with a 53-29 record. Their defensive tenacity and team-first mentality made them one of the toughest teams to beat.
Even newcomers made significant impacts. Scottie Barnes of the Toronto Raptors shined brightly, earning the Rookie of the Year award. His consistent performances, averaging 15.3 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game, demonstrated he could be a future star in the making. Barnes’s adaptability and skill-set drew comparisons to some of the greats, showing that the Raptors had struck gold.
One of the feel-good stories featured the Cleveland Cavaliers. This young squad, featuring Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen, exceeded expectations by clinching a place in the Eastern Conference play-in. Going from a bottom-dweller to a competitive team, the Cavaliers were a delight to watch, injecting a sense of optimism among their fans.
Lastly, we can’t talk about this season without mentioning the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Various teams faced disruptions, with players entering health and safety protocols frequently. The situation led to several games being postponed or rescheduled, testing the league’s resilience. Despite these challenges, the league managed to push through, showcasing the adaptability and determination of everyone involved.
All in all, the 2021-22 NBA season continued to build on the league’s rich history of unpredictability and excitement. With young talents stepping up, significant comebacks, and unforgettable moments, it offered something for everyone, even amid challenges. And if you’re keeping track of all these electrifying moments, you would find it hard to tear yourself away from the action.
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