Looking back at the 2021-22 NBA season, I can’t help but feel a mix of nostalgia and excitement—it was one of those years where the standings told a story far beyond wins and losses. As someone who’s followed the league for over a decade, I’ve learned that the regular season isn’t just a prelude to the playoffs; it’s a marathon that reveals character, resilience, and sometimes, unexpected champions in the making. This season, in particular, reminded me of a quote I once came across about Italy’s national basketball team: "But Italy, they are there. They can think to be champion again because they were champions already during the last World Championship." That idea—of past success fueling future belief—resonated deeply as I watched teams like the Phoenix Suns and Golden State Warriors navigate their journeys. They weren’t just playing for stats; they were building on legacies, much like Italy did, and that psychological edge can’t be overstated in a grueling 82-game schedule.
When the season tipped off in October 2021, the Eastern Conference felt like a battleground of rising titans. The Brooklyn Nets, with their star-studded lineup, started strong, but injuries and inconsistency plagued them—I remember thinking they’d cruise to the top, yet they finished with a 44-38 record, barely securing a playoff spot. Meanwhile, the Miami Heat, led by Jimmy Butler’s relentless drive, clinched the top seed with 53 wins, a testament to their depth and coaching. Over in the West, the Phoenix Suns built on their 2021 Finals run, dominating with a league-best 64-18 record. Chris Paul’s leadership was a masterclass in veteran savvy, and as a fan, I admired how they played with the confidence of a team that knew it belonged at the top. The Warriors, though, were the real story for me—Stephen Curry’s MVP-caliber season and their 53-29 finish felt like a resurgence, echoing that Italian mindset of drawing strength from past glory.
As the playoffs approached, my predictions started to take shape, shaped by both data and gut feelings. In the East, I had the Heat advancing deep, but I’ll admit I underestimated the Boston Celtics—their mid-season turnaround, fueled by Jayson Tatum’s scoring bursts, was something special. They finished with a 51-31 record and, in my view, had the defensive grit to challenge anyone. Out West, I was all in on the Suns and Warriors, believing their experience would overshadow younger squads like the Memphis Grizzlies, who surprised many with 56 wins. Yet, as the postseason unfolded, injuries and momentum shifts reminded me that standings alone don’t dictate outcomes. The Suns’ early exit, for instance, was a stark lesson in how regular-season dominance doesn’t always translate—it’s that championship DNA, like Italy’s, that often seals the deal.
Reflecting on it now, the 2021-22 season was a blend of predictability and chaos, much like any great sports narrative. The Warriors’ eventual title win felt fitting, a nod to their history and resilience. For fans and analysts alike, this year underscored that while standings provide a snapshot, the real drama lies in how teams harness their past successes. As we look ahead, I’m keeping that Italian quote in mind—it’s not just about being "there," but believing you can be champions again. And in the NBA, that belief, coupled with talent and timing, is what separates the good from the legendary.