Anthony Davis’s rise and 7 other must-watch NBA stories
4. Playoff Contention this season is bigger and better.
The 2020 playoffs were a big deal. One, because it was played in the one-time Orlando bubble, and two, because two stars met their goal of winning the championship together as a part of a big franchise: Lebron James and Anthony Davis. The Lakers championship win made most L.A. fans happy, and seeing James pick up his 4th ring and Davis his 1st to prove himself ahead of the rest of the league was an experience.
light. Related Story. Grading NBA extensions handed out before deadline
What the playoffs will bring this year is a good question. The Warriors are likely to put themselves back in the mix, but also the bubble showed off new faces in the East and West. The Miami Heat made it all the way to the Finals past the Pacers, Bucks, and Celtics. Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies competed for the 8th seed in a seeding tournament showdown against Damian Lillard and the Portland Trailblazers with the Blazers ultimately coming out on top. Devin Booker and the Phoenix Suns also made noise in the bubble.
Preseason basketball just ended, and the regular season is just starting, so things are just beginning. It’s hard to tell who will be in the playoffs this year, but the matchups are expected to be new and exciting again. This year’s playoffs will probably see better matchups and more new teams, such as the Wizards, Pelicans, Hawks, Knick, and Pistons making a name for themselves in rebuilt fashion.
There were disappointments last season and wins. This year should see a better playoff to keep fans and analysts watching their favorite competitive sport showing off the best of the NBA like old times.