Wow, the start of the NBA 2021 season? What a day! Let’s dive into how it set the stage for team expectations. One game stands out—Milwaukee Bucks vs. Brooklyn Nets. Giannis Antetokounmpo dropped a cool 32 points and added 14 rebounds. That kind of performance from Giannis shows his MVP caliber, pushing the Bucks into early favor for the championship. With stats like those, who wouldn’t see Milwaukee as a top contender? They hit over 50% of their shots, a key metric that showcases their offensive efficiency.
Then there’s the high-stakes matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors. LeBron James, defying his age of 36, put up 34 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 assists. However, fans noticed the Lakers’ struggles with overall team chemistry. Losing 121-114 perhaps set some lower expectations for the team. Everyone expected a rocking start, given the Lakers’ star power. But an early loss like this? It raised questions about their playoff viability, especially when the game was in their own house, Staples Center.
The Chicago Bulls also caught my eye. Zach LaVine’s 34 points in their victory over the Detroit Pistons signaled a promising season. LaVine’s performance didn’t just boost his stock; it also revived hopes for a strong Bulls season. Chicago sportswriters, like those from the Chicago Tribune, cheered for LaVine’s leadership. It seemed the Bulls had finally turned a corner after hitting rock bottom last year.
Oh, and don’t get me started on the highly anticipated New York Knicks vs. Boston Celtics showdown. RJ Barrett’s breakout game—20 points, 5 assists—hinted at a promising season for the Knicks. Madison Square Garden erupted when the Knicks secured a 138-134 victory in double overtime. Analysts estimate that the Knicks’ playoff odds shot up by at least 10% after that game.
Over in the Western Conference, the Denver Nuggets and Phoenix Suns had a thrilling encounter. Nikola Jokic, the reigning MVP, contributed an impressive 27 points, 13 rebounds, and 6 assists. His dominant performance was a clear sign that the Nuggets mean business this season. Coach Michael Malone, in a press conference, praised Jokic’s amazing court awareness and leadership, making the Nuggets a serious threat to any team.
Not to be outdone, Ja Morant of the Memphis Grizzlies dropped a jaw-dropping 37 points against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The young star showcased his incredible speed and scoring ability, dazzling fans and analysts alike. Feeling the buzz, many analysts began to eye Memphis as potential playoff dark horses. NBA.com highlighted Morant’s growth, suggesting this could be a breakout year for him and the team.
How could we miss the Philadelphia 76ers drama? Without Ben Simmons, they faced the New Orleans Pelicans and won 117-97. Joel Embiid, the heartbeat of the team, put up 22 points and 12 rebounds. John Doe from ESPN’s “First Take” speculated the 76ers might actually be better without Simmons. With a 41% three-point shooting, they showcased a new kind of offensive fluidity, something missing last season.
Man, the Miami Heat’s triumph over the Milwaukee Bucks introduced us to a revamped squad. Tyler Herro’s 27 points off the bench got everyone talking. Many saw the performance as an indication of Miami’s depth. The Heat made 50% of their three-pointers, demonstrating their lethal long-range shooting. Some local Miami publications even hinted that with such depth, they could make a serious run in the Eastern Conference.
Stephen Curry’s performance against the Lakers was nothing short of electric. Although Curry had 21 points and 10 assists, analysts noted he struggled with efficiency, hitting just 5 of 21 shots. Despite that, his leadership and playmaking abilities ensured the Warriors pieced together a win. Curry himself acknowledged in the post-game interview that he’s focused on getting his teammates involved, which speaks volumes about where this Warriors team is headed.
In the opener, we saw various teams grappling with injuries and new lineups. For instance, the Dallas Mavericks missed Kristaps Porzingis due to a sore back, and Luka Dončić had to do more heavy lifting. Luka’s stats—35 points, 9 rebounds—show he’s ready to be in the MVP conversation yet again. However, with key players out, pundits are skeptical about the Mavs’ chances in the loaded Western Conference.
Finally, don’t sleep on the Atlanta Hawks. Trae Young’s 28 points and the team’s defensive improvements were on full display against the Dallas Mavericks. They held Dallas to just 87 points, something unimaginable last year. The Hawks’ defensive rating could make them sleeper contenders this season.
If you missed nba opening day 2021, you missed a ton! I can’t wait to see how these teams evolve throughout the season. The opening day was one for the books, setting high expectations and stirring the pot for an exciting NBA season.
