The 2021 NBA regular season was a whirlwind of excitement and surprises. With a compressed schedule due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the league packed 72 games into a shorter timeframe compared to the usual 82-game grind. This altered not just the pacing but also the strategy for many teams.
A significant factor was the back-to-back games. On average, every NBA team had about 11 back-to-back sets, which increased the risk of injuries. Players like LeBron James and Anthony Davis had to miss significant time due to injuries. The condensed nature of the schedule put a strain on the athletes, with a recovery period much shorter than usual, often less than 24 hours between games.
The pandemic also meant fewer fans in the stands. Most arenas operated at a fraction of their capacity, drastically shrinking the revenue generated from ticket sales. For instance, the Los Angeles Lakers, who usually play in front of sold-out crowds of nearly 19,000, had to settle for an empty Staples Center for the majority of the season, affecting their financial bottom line.
When looking at the performance of teams, it’s intriguing to note that the Utah Jazz finished with the best record at 52-20, a winning percentage of .722. This achievement was largely driven by stellar performances from Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert. Mitchell had several games scoring over 30 points, while Gobert continued to be a shot-blocking machine, anchoring the team’s defense.
As for trade and player movements, the 2021 season saw significant activity. James Harden’s trade to the Brooklyn Nets was arguably the biggest mid-season move. Harden joined Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, forming a “super team” with high expectations. The Nets’ management hoped this trio would bring them their first NBA Championship.
The Golden State Warriors experienced a roller-coaster season. Even though Steph Curry played like an MVP candidate, leading the league in scoring at 32 points per game, injuries to key players like Klay Thompson affected the team’s overall performance. Despite Curry’s heroics, the Warriors finished the regular season with just 39 wins, narrowly missing direct playoff qualification.
In terms of TV ratings, the season faced challenges. The average viewership saw a slight dip compared to previous years, about 1.34 million viewers per game down from over 1.5 million. One theory for this decline could be the irregular game schedules and the absence of fans affecting the atmosphere and excitement on television broadcasts.
The NBA All-Star game took place in March, amidst a lot of controversies. Many players, including LeBron James, expressed concerns over holding the event during the pandemic. Nevertheless, the league went ahead with the game in Atlanta, and Team LeBron ended up victorious, with Giannis Antetokounmpo earning the MVP honors for his 35 points on a perfect 16-of-16 shooting.
Statistical leaders for the season also provided a glimpse into emerging talent and seasoned veterans. Russell Westbrook of the Washington Wizards averaged a triple-double for the fourth time in his career, cementing his place in NBA history. Meanwhile, Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets, who averaged 26.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game, was a frontrunner for the MVP award.
Regarding logistics, the league’s health and safety protocols were robust. Players and staff underwent daily testing, and multiple postponements occurred due to positive cases or contact tracing. The result was a seamless adaptation by the front office to handle sudden schedule changes and maintain the integrity of the season.
The Miami Heat found themselves hampered by both injuries and the after-effects of their previous Finals run. Jimmy Butler had a phenomenal season, but frequent absences hampered the team’s consistency. The Heat ended with a 40-32 record, seemingly a shadow of the team that made it to the Finals a year prior.
One of the standout rookies was LaMelo Ball of the Charlotte Hornets. Ball, who played part of the season in Australia before joining the NBA, quickly made a name for himself with his flashy play and high basketball IQ. He averaged 15.7 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 6.1 assists, setting a bright future for the Hornets.
Fans eagerly awaited marquee matchups. Games like Lakers vs. Nets and Clippers vs. Bucks drew significant attention, pitting some of the league’s best talents against each other. These games often had playoff-like intensity, providing a glimpse into potential postseason battles. The dynamic between star players like LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Giannis Antetokounmpo became a much-talked-about topic among analysts and fans alike.
Despite the challenges, the 2021 NBA regular season delivered countless memorable moments. From buzzer-beaters and record-breaking performances to the sheer unpredictability brought on by the pandemic. The road-to-the-playoffs atmosphere began earlier than usual, with several teams jostling for position in the play-in tournament. The play-in concept, introduced initially in the bubble, returned and featured teams ranked 7th through 10th in each conference, adding a new layer of excitement and competition.
With an eye on future prospects, the league continually monitored COVID-19 developments, hoping for a return to normalcy by the 2022 season. As the world slowly adapted to new norms, so did the NBA, illustrating a blend of resilience and evolution in the face of unprecedented challenges. The culmination of it all was a thrilling lead-up to the playoffs, where every game mattered, and every play could be the difference-maker.
For all the challenges faced and overcome, the 2021 NBA regular season remains a testament to the league’s ability to adapt and thrive under pressure. Every player, coach, and staff member played their part in ensuring that even in the most uncertain times, the spirit of basketball and competition lives on.