As I sit here reflecting on the 2021-22 NBA season, I can't help but draw parallels to that memorable quote 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." This sentiment perfectly captures the mindset of established contenders entering the playoffs, particularly teams like the Golden State Warriors who remembered what it felt like to be champions and used that experience to fuel their return to glory. The regular season unfolded like a dramatic novel, with surprising twists and unexpected heroes emerging across both conferences.
Looking at the Eastern Conference first, I have to say the Miami Heat's consistency impressed me throughout the season. Finishing as the top seed with 53 wins showed their defensive discipline and Jimmy Butler's leadership when it mattered most. The Celtics' second-half surge was something I predicted back in January – their defensive rating of 106.2 after the All-Star break was historically good. What surprised me most was Milwaukee settling for the third seed despite having the defending champions' pedigree. Personally, I think Giannis Antetokounmpo was pacing himself for the postseason, which turned out to be a smart move given their injury concerns. The real drama unfolded in the play-in tournament where the Nets barely scraped through – watching Kevin Durant carry that team on his back was both inspiring and concerning for their championship aspirations.
Out West, the story was even more compelling from my perspective. The Phoenix Suns' 64-win season didn't surprise me one bit – they played with a chip on their shoulder after losing the previous year's finals. But the Memphis Grizzlies' emergence as the second seed caught even seasoned analysts like myself off guard. Ja Morant's leap to superstardom was something special to witness night after night. The Warriors returning to form felt inevitable to me – there's just something about championship DNA that can't be taught. The most heartbreaking story had to be the Lakers missing the playoffs entirely – their 33-49 record serves as a cautionary tale about roster construction in the modern NBA. Watching LeBron James put up historic numbers at age 37 while his team floundered was both remarkable and frustrating.
The play-in tournament provided the kind of drama that makes basketball so compelling. I've always been a fan of this format – it keeps more teams engaged deeper into the season. Minnesota's chaotic but ultimately successful play-in run showcased their young talent, though I remain skeptical about their playoff readiness. The Pelicans' ability to reach the postseason without Zion Williamson demonstrated incredible coaching and team chemistry. What struck me most was seeing established champions like the Warriors and Bucks carry themselves differently – they had that Italy mentality of knowing they could win because they'd done it before, while newer contenders sometimes seemed to be figuring things out in real time.
As we transition to analyzing the playoff picture, I'm reminded why I love this sport – the regular season sets the stage, but the playoffs reveal true character. The teams that made it through embody various approaches to team-building and in-season development. Some, like the Suns, built through careful drafting and development. Others, like the Nets, assembled through superstar acquisitions. Having covered the NBA for over a decade, I've learned that regular season success doesn't always translate to playoff glory, but it certainly provides the foundation and home-court advantage that can make all the difference in a tight series. The 2021-22 season gave us everything – surprise contenders, disappointing superteams, and the steady hand of proven champions – setting up what promised to be an unforgettable postseason battle.