Looking back at the 2020-2021 NBA season, I still get chills thinking about how unpredictable the entire journey felt. As someone who’s followed the league for over a decade, I’ve rarely seen a season so full of surprises, comebacks, and breakout performances. The condensed schedule, health protocols, and empty arenas created a unique environment—one where resilience mattered just as much as talent. And while I’m no fortune teller, I’ve always believed that numbers and momentum tell a story. Take Marcial, for instance—though he’s from the boxing world, his unbeaten 5-0 record with 3 KOs reminds me of teams that enter the playoffs with that kind of relentless, knockout energy. It’s the same vibe I got watching teams like the Phoenix Suns or the Milwaukee Bucks late in the season—squads that just knew how to finish strong.
When the regular season wrapped up, the standings painted a pretty clear picture—at least on the surface. Out West, the Utah Jazz clinched the top seed with a 52-20 record, which honestly surprised me a little. I thought the Lakers, even with injuries, would push harder. But the Jazz played with such cohesion, especially on defense. Meanwhile, the Suns, led by Chris Paul, finished second at 51-21. I’ve got to admit, I didn’t see that coming early on. In the East, the Philadelphia 76ers snagged first place at 49-23, but let’s be real—the Brooklyn Nets, even as the two-seed, were the team everyone was watching. With Durant, Harden, and Irving, they felt like a heavyweight contender, much like Marcial stepping into the ring with an undefeated streak. You just knew they had that knockout potential.
As we moved into the playoffs, my predictions started taking shape—and yes, I’ll own my biases here. I’ve always been a sucker for underdog stories, so seeing the Suns make that Finals run was thrilling. They played with a chip on their shoulder, much like a fighter with everything to prove. On the other hand, the Bucks—who finished third in the East at 46-26—were a team I initially doubted. Giannis is phenomenal, but their playoff history made me skeptical. Still, their grit won me over, especially in that epic series against the Nets. Speaking of Brooklyn, injuries really hampered their run, and I can’t help but think what might’ve been if they’d stayed healthy. It’s a reminder that, just like in boxing, a perfect record doesn’t always guarantee a title—you need timing, health, and a little luck.
In the end, the Bucks hoisted the trophy, and honestly? They earned it. That championship run felt like a culmination of years of building and adapting. Looking back, the 2020-2021 season taught me that standings only tell part of the story—it’s the intangibles, like team chemistry and clutch performances, that define legacies. And while my predictions weren’t all spot-on (I had the Lakers going deeper, for one), that’s what makes the NBA so compelling. Whether it’s basketball or boxing, dominance isn’t just about records—it’s about rising to the occasion. Here’s to more unforgettable seasons ahead.