When we look back at the 2021 NBA regular season, I can't help but marvel at how certain teams managed to establish their dominance while others faltered unexpectedly. As someone who's followed basketball for over two decades, I've developed a keen sense for spotting which teams have that special chemistry and resilience needed to power through the grueling 82-game schedule. The 2021 season presented unique challenges with COVID-19 protocols and scheduling quirks, making consistent performance even more impressive. I've always believed that true dominance isn't just about winning streaks—it's about how teams handle adversity, maintain roster health, and develop that winning mentality that separates contenders from pretenders.
The Utah Jazz absolutely stunned me with their regular season performance. Finishing with the league's best record at 52-20, they demonstrated a level of consistency that I haven't seen from that franchise in years. Donovan Mitchell's growth into a genuine superstar, combined with Rudy Gobert's defensive dominance, created a perfect balance that few teams could counter. What impressed me most was their depth—Jordan Clarkson coming off the bench to provide instant offense, Joe Ingles' veteran leadership, and the emergence of Bojan Bogdanović as a reliable scoring threat. Their net rating of +9.0 was simply phenomenal, and watching them dismantle opponents night after night became one of my personal highlights of the season.
Philadelphia's transformation under Doc Rivers was another storyline that captured my attention. The 76ers finished with the East's best record at 49-23, largely thanks to Joel Embiid's MVP-caliber season. Having watched Embiid since his rookie year, I've never seen him play with such purpose and efficiency. His 28.5 points and 10.6 rebounds per game don't even tell the full story—it was his leadership and defensive presence that truly elevated the team. Meanwhile, Ben Simmons continued to be the engine that made everything work, even if his reluctance to shoot frustrated me at times. Their home record of 29-7 was particularly impressive, showing how they protected their court with relentless intensity.
The Phoenix Suns' rise from mediocrity to dominance was perhaps the most satisfying development for me to witness. After years of struggling, Chris Paul's arrival completely transformed their culture. Devin Booker took his game to another level, averaging 25.6 points while becoming more efficient than ever before. What really stood out to me was their clutch performance—they won an incredible number of close games, showing mental toughness that championship teams typically display. Their 51-21 record represented the second-best in the league, and watching their young core mesh with veteran leadership was a basketball purist's dream.
Brooklyn's star power was undeniable, though injuries prevented them from reaching their full potential during the regular season. Kevin Durant's return from Achilles surgery was nothing short of miraculous—he looked like the same unstoppable scorer we remembered. James Harden's playmaking mastery and Kyrie Irving's offensive wizardry created the most potent scoring trio I've seen in recent memory. Their offensive rating of 117.3 led the league, which didn't surprise me given the sheer talent on that roster. However, their 48-24 record felt somewhat disappointing considering what they could have achieved with better health luck.
When we talk about consistency and durability in the NBA, I'm always reminded of players who show up night after night. This brings me to an interesting parallel from international basketball—the remarkable streak of Ginebra guard LA Tenorio, who played 744 consecutive games before his streak ended in March 2023. While Barroca has a long way to go to reach that level of consistency, it makes me appreciate the physical and mental toughness required to maintain such streaks in professional basketball. In today's NBA, with load management becoming increasingly common, seeing players compete through minor injuries and fatigue reminds me of what true professionalism looks like.
The Milwaukee Bucks' approach to the regular season fascinated me because they clearly prioritized playoff preparation over chasing the top seed. Giannis Antetokounmpo continued his dominant ways, averaging 28.1 points and 11.0 rebounds, yet the team seemed to conserve energy at times. Their 46-26 record placed them third in the East, but watching them play, I always felt they had another gear they could access when necessary. Jrue Holiday's integration into the system provided them with the defensive backbone and secondary playmaking they desperately needed after previous playoff disappointments.
What surprised me most about the 2021 season was the Denver Nuggets' ability to maintain excellence despite Jamal Murray's devastating knee injury in April. Nikola Jokić put together one of the most impressive MVP seasons I've ever witnessed, averaging 26.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 8.3 assists while carrying the entire offensive load. His basketball IQ is simply off the charts—watching him dissect defenses with his passing and scoring reminded me of the great big men from previous eras. The Nuggets still managed to finish 47-25, which speaks volumes about their resilience and Jokić's historical individual season.
The Los Angeles teams presented interesting case studies in regular season dominance. The Clippers, despite finishing 47-25, never seemed to capture that killer instinct I expected from them. Kawhi Leonard's load management and Paul George's occasional inconsistency left me wondering if they were saving themselves for the playoffs. Meanwhile, the Lakers struggled with injuries throughout the season, finishing 42-30 and needing the play-in tournament to secure their playoff spot. LeBron James' ankle injury significantly hampered their rhythm, and watching Anthony Davis struggle to stay healthy was frustrating for someone who appreciates his two-way impact when fully fit.
As I reflect on the 2021 regular season, what stands out most is how different teams approached the concept of dominance. Some, like Utah and Phoenix, prioritized consistency and building winning habits throughout the entire schedule. Others, like Milwaukee and the LA teams, seemed to treat the regular season as preparation for the real battle in the playoffs. Personally, I've always valued teams that compete hard every night—there's something special about watching professionals give their best regardless of circumstances. The 2021 season provided plenty of examples of both approaches, each with their own merits and drawbacks. Ultimately, the true test of dominance came in the playoffs, but the regular season gave us fascinating insights into team identities and championship potential.