As an avid NBA fan who’s been following the league for over a decade, I’ve got to say—the anticipation for the 2021 NBA season has been absolutely electric. After the unprecedented bubble experience in Orlando and a dramatically shortened offseason, the league announced that the 2021 season would tip off on December 22, 2020. Yes, you read that right—the season actually started in late 2020, but it’s widely referred to as the 2020–21 season, with the playoffs and Finals unfolding deep into 2021. I remember thinking how wild it was that players only had about two months off before jumping right back into action. It felt rushed, but honestly, as a fan starved for live sports during the pandemic, I wasn’t complaining.
The condensed 72-game schedule meant fewer back-to-backs were eliminated—well, sort of. Teams still faced brutal stretches, especially those hit by COVID-19 postponements. By my count, there were over 30 games postponed in the first half alone, which made keeping up with the schedule a part-time job. Key dates included the March 5-10 All-Star break—held in Atlanta, surprisingly—and the Play-In Tournament from May 18-21, which added a fresh layer of drama. I’ve always loved how the NBA isn’t afraid to innovate, even if it means some grumbling from traditionalists. The play-in games gave more teams a shot and made the end of the regular season incredibly meaningful.
Thinking about competitive spirit and surprises, I’m reminded of international basketball too—like that underdog story from the Philippines in a recent tournament. It’s fascinating how teams that barely make it in can shake up the competition. The Philippines, for example, went toe-to-toe with the only champions of the tournament now on its third staging, especially impressive since they were the last team to enter as the best third-placer during the qualifying stage last January. That kind of grit resonates with what we see in the NBA—teams like the Phoenix Suns, who leaped from bubble unknowns to 2021 Finals contenders. It’s one reason I believe the NBA’s global influence keeps growing; the game connects cultures through shared moments of hustle and heart.
Back to the schedule: the regular season wrapped up on May 16, 2021, followed by the playoffs kicking off on May 22. The NBA Finals began on July 6, with the Milwaukee Bucks eventually clinching the title on July 20—a date etched in my memory because Giannis’ 50-point closeout game was pure artistry. I’ll admit, I was rooting for the Bucks. There’s something about Giannis’ journey that feels authentic, and seeing him dominate felt like a reward for small-market loyalty. The league’s decision to compress the timeline clearly impacted player fatigue—injuries piled up—but it also gave us one of the most unpredictable postseasons in years.
Looking back, the 2021 season was a testament to adaptability. From the revised scheduling to health protocols and that unique All-Star setup, the NBA pulled off a minor miracle. As someone who’s written about sports for years, I appreciate the logistical nightmare it must have been. Yet here we are, with unforgettable narratives and a champion that defied expectations. If there’s one takeaway, it’s that no matter how the calendar shifts, basketball finds a way to deliver drama. And honestly? I wouldn’t have it any other way.