So, you’re getting amped up for the 2021 NBA Playoffs and you want the complete schedule, right? Let me give you a detailed rundown. The playoffs started on May 22, 2021, and the excitement has been off the charts.
The play-in tournament, introduced as a new concept by the NBA, set the stage between May 18-21. In this new format, the 7th to 10th seed teams had to battle it out for the last playoff spots. Fun fact: last year’s play-in had a 59% viewer increase compared to regular season games.
Among the Eastern Conference teams, the Brooklyn Nets, with their Big Three – Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving – are clear favorites. On the other side of the country, in the Western Conference, the Utah Jazz clinched the top seed with an impressive record of 52-20. This has fans buzzing because it’s their best regular season finish since 1998 when they had Karl Malone and John Stockton.
In terms of matchups, the first-round series between the Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns promises to be exciting. LeBron James, even at 36 years old, shows no signs of slowing down, averaging 25 points per game. His efficiency remains one of the highest in the league. Meanwhile, Chris Paul’s leadership has transformed the Suns into genuine contenders after they missed the playoffs for a decade.
Have you noticed the surge in three-point attempts? In 2021, teams averaged 35.4 three-point attempts per game, showing how the game of basketball continues to evolve. Players like Stephen Curry, who broke the record for three-pointers in a single season with 402 back in 2016, have made deep shots a staple of modern play. This season, Curry averaged 32 points per game and single-handedly carried the Golden State Warriors into the play-in tournament.
An interesting statistic is that defense still plays a crucial role. According to NBA analytics, teams that rank in the top 10 in defensive efficiency have a 84% chance of making the playoffs. The New York Knicks, with their rugged defense spearheaded by Tom Thibodeau’s coaching, finished fourth in the Eastern Conference. Thibodeau’s emphasis on defense saw them allow just 104.7 points per 100 possessions – the best in the league.
The Milwaukee Bucks, led by two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, are driven by their quest for a title since 1971. In their series against the Miami Heat, they look to avenge last year’s surprising second-round exit. Giannis, averaging 28 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists per game, keeps fans on the edge of their seats.
During the playoffs, the financial stakes get higher as well. Did you know that NBA teams split playoff gate receipts? Teams sell out arenas, and with average ticket prices hitting hundreds of dollars, revenues skyrocket. For example, a playoff game at Madison Square Garden can generate close to $4 million in ticket sales alone. Multiply that over a seven-game series, and we’re talking serious revenue.
Meanwhile, television ratings also see a significant boost. In 2019, the NBA Finals had an average of 15.1 million viewers per game. Though viewership dipped a bit in 2020 due to the pandemic, initial reports this year show a 30% increase in ratings for playoff games, indicating a strong recovery.
Beyond just the games, the playoff schedule includes all-important rest days. Teams travel frequently, and rest days ensure players recover from grueling games. Typically, there’s at least one rest day between games, sometimes two, especially as the playoffs advance to the later rounds. This schedule also impacts sports betting, where injury reports and rest days influence betting odds. Sites like nba schedule playoffs 2021 become essential for fans tracking games and making informed bets.
As the playoffs progress, the intensity ramps up. For aficionados, the second round generally begins exactly 10-12 days after the playoffs open, around June 1-2. The Conference Finals coincide with mid-June, and the NBA Finals start around July 6, wrapping up about two weeks later. This tight schedule keeps fans hooked and generates continuous buzz on social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram, where #NBAPlayoffs trends frequently.
Stadiums have started to allow more fans. For instance, the Staples Center began permitting up to 7,000 fans per game, creating an electrifying atmosphere reminiscent of pre-pandemic times. It’s a stark contrast to last year’s bubble environment in Orlando, where games felt eerily silent.
Remember, the playoffs are not just about the superstars. Role players often have breakout performances. Think of Tyler Herro’s heroics for the Heat last year. His performances spiked jersey sales by 45% in just one month. This year, keep an eye out for up-and-comers like Mikal Bridges from the Suns or Michael Porter Jr. on the Nuggets, who are making their marks in these high-stakes games.
The 2021 playoffs are underway, and the games have been exhilarating. There’s nothing quite like playoff basketball where every possession counts and legends are made.