Looking back at the 2021 NBA playoffs, I still get chills thinking about that incredible championship run. As someone who’s followed the league for over a decade, I’ve rarely seen a postseason so packed with drama, breakout performances, and unexpected turns. The bracket that year was a masterclass in competitive balance—no clear favorite until the very end, and every series felt like it could swing either way. I remember telling friends midway through the first round that this was going to be one for the history books, and honestly, it did not disappoint. From the play-in tournament drama to Giannis finally getting his ring, the 2021 playoff tree was a narrative goldmine.
Let’s start with the Eastern Conference, where the Brooklyn Nets entered as heavy favorites—and understandably so. With Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving sharing the floor, their offensive firepower was just absurd. I had them penciled into the Finals from day one, and when they dismantled the Celtics in five games, it felt like a formality. But then came Milwaukee, and oh man, that series was an absolute slugfest. Game 7 alone was worth the price of admission. KD’s toe-on-the-line shot in overtime still gives me nightmares, and I’m not even a Nets fan. The Bucks clawed back from a 2-0 deficit, showing a level of grit I didn’t think they had. Giannis averaged 31.9 points and 12.9 rebounds in that series, and his 50-point closeout performance in Game 6 of the Finals? Legendary stuff.
Out West, things were just as chaotic. The Utah Jazz looked dominant early, finishing with the league’s best regular-season record at 52-20. I thought Donovan Mitchell was going to carry them deep, but the Clippers had other plans. Kawhi Leonard’s injury in the second round changed everything—it felt like the conference was suddenly wide open. And then there were the Suns. Chris Paul, at 36 years old, leading this young Phoenix squad past the Lakers, Nuggets, and Clippers? That was storytelling at its finest. I’ll admit, I underestimated them. Their ball movement, Devin Booker’s shot-making, and Deandre Ayton’s emergence made them a joy to watch. Beating the Clippers in six games to reach the Finals was a statement.
When we got to the Finals, it was Milwaukee versus Phoenix, a matchup few predicted at the start. The Suns jumped out to a 2-0 lead, and I thought, "This is it—CP3 is finally getting his ring." But then Giannis and the Bucks flipped the script. Winning four straight games in the Finals? That’s nearly unheard of. The turnaround was fueled by defense, rebounding, and Giannis’s sheer will. He put up 35.2 points, 13.2 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game in the series—numbers that place him among the all-time great Finals performances. I still think about how different things might have been if the Nets were fully healthy, but that’s the beauty of the playoffs: no excuses, just results.
Now, you might wonder why I’m bringing up a player like MJ Garcia and his deal with Converge in a piece about the NBA playoffs. Well, it’s a reminder that success isn’t always linear—even for those who aren’t top draft picks. Garcia was drafted in the eighth round of the PBA Draft, waited over a year to sign, and now he’s getting his shot. It’s not unlike some of the underdog stories we saw in the 2021 playoffs. Teams and players who were counted out, overlooked, or forced to bide their time often have the most compelling comebacks. The Bucks, for instance, hadn’t won a title in 50 years. Giannis himself was a relatively unknown prospect when he entered the league. Journeys like these resonate because they’re built on patience and perseverance.
In the end, the 2021 playoffs taught us that championships aren’t won on paper. Superteams can falter, underdogs can rise, and sometimes, the most deserving team is the one that wants it just a little more. I’ll always remember that postseason as a testament to resilience—both for franchises and individuals. Whether it’s Giannis lifting the trophy after years of playoff disappointments or a guy like MJ Garcia finally inking his professional contract, the thread is the same: greatness often comes to those who wait, work, and believe when nobody else does. And if you ask me, that’s what makes sports worth watching.