When one looks back at the 2021 NBA playoffs, several moments stand out, making it an unforgettable postseason. Kevin Durant’s incredible 49-point game in Game 5 against the Milwaukee Bucks had fans talking about his otherworldly skills. To put this in perspective, Durant played all 48 minutes and shot 16 of 23 from the field, further solidifying his place among the greats. No other player in recent history had such a high efficiency in a critical game, making this performance truly remarkable.
Suns’ Devin Booker emerged as a superstar with his stellar play throughout the postseason. In Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals against the Los Angeles Clippers, Booker posted a 40-point triple-double. He became only the sixth player in NBA history to achieve such a feat in a playoff game. Moreover, his performance underscored his ability to deliver under pressure and showcased his versatility in various positions, being a threat both inside the paint and beyond the arc.
Not far behind, Giannis Antetokounmpo’s dominance in the Finals was a testament to his physical prowess and skill. The Greek Freak logged an insane 50-point performance in Game 6 against the Phoenix Suns, leading the Bucks to their first championship in 50 years. Considering that Giannis also grabbed 14 rebounds and blocked 5 shots, his contribution can’t be overstated. It was the kind of showcase that they will remember and talk about for decades to come.
Another unforgettable series was the Brooklyn Nets vs. Boston Celtics in the first round. Despite Brooklyn winning in five games, Jayson Tatum showed his brilliance with a 50-point effort in Game 3, leading his team to their lone victory in the series. Tatum’s ability to take over games at just 23 years of age emphasizes the bright future he has ahead of him.
The Atlanta Hawks also had a surprising run, largely thanks to Trae Young, who made his playoff debut this year. Young averaged 28.8 points and 9.5 assists per game in the playoffs, showing his knack for the clutch moments. One particularly memorable instance was against the New York Knicks, where he silenced the Madison Square Garden with a game-winning floater. Trae’s audacity and skill level introduced him to the national audience in a big way.
In terms of defensive prowess, Jrue Holiday’s performance cannot be overlooked. His Game 5 of the Finals, which saw him make critical steals and play suffocating defense, was integral to the Bucks’ overall success. He showcased just how important a two-way guard is in today’s game. With Holiday on the roster, Milwaukee’s defensive efficiency significantly improved, making them one of the toughest teams to score against in the playoffs.
Chris Paul’s leadership for the Phoenix Suns was a storyline in itself. At 36 years old, Paul’s orchestration of the Suns’ offense was nothing short of spectacular. In Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals, he exploded for 41 points and led his team to their first NBA Finals since 1993. Paul’s veteran presence provided much-needed guidance for the young Suns roster, illustrating the importance of having an experienced floor general.
One cannot ignore Kawhi Leonard, even though he was injured during the Western Conference Semifinals. Before his injury, Leonard was averaging 30.4 points per game at a shooting efficiency of over 57%. His performance against the Dallas Mavericks in the first round, including a 45-point effort in Game 6, was absolutely vital for the Clippers’ advancement. Leonard’s clutch performance reaffirms why he is considered one of the best players in the league today.
Lastly, Luka Dončić’s playoff run was another highlight. At just 22 years old, Dončić averaged 35.7 points, 10.3 assists, and 7.9 rebounds per game against the Los Angeles Clippers. His Game 7 performance, where he notched 46 points and 14 assists, showed that Dončić could single-handedly carry his team and compete against any opposition. Such numbers are almost unheard of for someone his age, making his playoff performance a historic one.
These performances and many more made the 2021 NBA playoffs a rollercoaster of emotions, filled with unforgettable moments and incredible individual achievements. For more detailed standings and updates on current seasons, you can always check standing nba playoffs 2023 for the latest information.