Looking back at the 2021-22 NBA regular season, I can't help but marvel at how dramatically the landscape shifted from preseason expectations. As someone who's been analyzing professional basketball for over a decade, I've learned that every season brings its own unique narrative, but this particular campaign stood out for its unexpected twists and surprising team performances that kept fans like myself on the edge of their seats throughout those grueling 82 games.
The Golden State Warriors' resurgence particularly caught my attention, especially after their disappointing play-in tournament exit the previous year. Watching Stephen Curry break the all-time three-point record in December while maintaining his elite efficiency was simply breathtaking - he finished the season averaging 25.5 points while shooting 38% from beyond the arc despite increased defensive attention. What impressed me more, honestly, was how Jordan Poole developed into a legitimate secondary scoring threat, averaging 18.5 points and showing flashes of brilliance that suggest the Warriors' future remains bright even as their core ages. The team's 53-29 record might not scream dominance, but their +5.5 net rating indicated they were much better than their win total suggested.
Meanwhile, the Memphis Grizzlies' emergence as genuine contenders surprised even seasoned analysts like myself. I'll admit I was skeptical when they started hot, but their sustained excellence throughout the season proved me wrong. Ja Morant's leap into superstardom was something special to witness - his 27.4 points and 6.7 assists per game don't fully capture his gravitational pull on defenses. What really stood out to me was their depth; when Morant missed games, they kept winning, which speaks volumes about their organizational strength. Their 56-26 record wasn't a fluke, and their physical, relentless style made them must-watch television every night.
The Chicago Bulls' first half dominance followed by their second half regression provided one of the season's most intriguing storylines. I remember thinking in January that they might actually challenge for the Eastern Conference crown, but their defensive vulnerabilities eventually caught up with them. DeMar DeRozan's incredible scoring run, including those back-to-back game-winners around Christmas, was arguably the individual storyline of the regular season. His 27.9 points per game on 50.4% shooting at age 32 defied conventional wisdom about player development curves.
Now, speaking of unexpected performances, I have to mention the Phoenix Suns. After their Finals run the previous season, many including myself expected some regression, but they shattered expectations by posting a franchise-record 64 wins. Chris Paul's ageless excellence - 14.7 points and 10.8 assists per game at 36 years old - was a masterclass in point guard play. What struck me most was their consistency; they never lost more than two games in a row all season, demonstrating remarkable mental toughness and preparation.
The Lakers' disastrous season, on the other hand, served as a cautionary tale about team construction. As much as I respect LeBron James' incredible individual season at age 37 - 30.3 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 6.2 assists are video game numbers - the fit alongside Russell Westbrook never worked. Their 33-49 record and failure to even make the play-in tournament stands as one of the biggest disappointments in recent memory, especially considering preseason championship expectations.
This reminds me of how every game matters, even those between teams out of playoff contention. I've always believed that professional pride and development opportunities make these games meaningful. Watching teams like Terrafirma and Blackwater battle to avoid last place demonstrates that the competitive spirit burns bright regardless of standings. These contests often reveal character and building blocks for future seasons, something I've observed repeatedly throughout my career covering the league.
The Boston Celtics' midseason turnaround deserves special mention. I recall writing them off in January when they sat at 23-24, but their defensive transformation under first-year coach Ime Udoka was nothing short of remarkable. Their second-half surge to finish 51-31 provided one of the season's most compelling narratives, with Jayson Tatum elevating his game to new heights - his 26.9 points per game don't fully capture his two-way impact during their resurgence.
What fascinated me throughout the season was how the evolving style of play continued to emphasize spacing and three-point shooting. The average team attempted 35.2 threes per game, up from 34.6 the previous season, and this strategic evolution shows no signs of slowing. Teams that couldn't space the floor effectively, like the Lakers, struggled mightily, while those embracing positionless basketball, like the Warriors and Celtics, found greater success.
Reflecting on the entire season, I'm struck by how parity seems to be returning to the league. While superteams still exist, the emergence of young cores in Memphis, Cleveland, and Minnesota suggests a more balanced competitive landscape in coming years. The 2021-22 season will be remembered not just for its champion, but for how it signaled shifting power dynamics across the league. As we look ahead, the lessons from this season about roster construction, player development, and tactical innovation will undoubtedly influence how teams approach the future.
