As I reflect on the NBA's 2021-22 regular season, what strikes me most isn't just the championship storylines or superstar performances, but how the entire league landscape shifted in ways few anticipated. Having followed basketball for over two decades, I've learned that the true drama often unfolds in the middle of the standings and even at the bottom, where teams play for pride, development, and franchise identity. This season reminded me of something I once observed in international basketball - how even when teams are mathematically eliminated from playoff contention, every game matters profoundly to those involved. I recall watching a Philippine Basketball Association game where Terrafirma and Blackwater, both already out of quarterfinal contention, battled fiercely because the winner would escape the cellar. That same dynamic played out across the NBA this season, creating compelling narratives beyond the championship chase.
The Western Conference delivered one of the most surprising team performances I've seen in years with the Memphis Grizzlies. Honestly, I didn't expect them to be this good this fast. When Ja Morant went down with his knee injury, most analysts predicted the Grizzlies would falter. Instead, they went 20-5 without their superstar, proving their depth was legitimate rather than a temporary hot streak. Desmond Bane's development into a legitimate second option was something I'd been tracking since his college days, but even I was surprised by his leap to 18.2 points per game on 43% three-point shooting. Jaren Jackson Jr.'s defensive impact was staggering - his 2.3 blocks per game don't even fully capture how he transformed their defense. What impressed me most was their collective identity; they played with a chip-on-the-shoulder mentality that reminded me of the early Warriors teams before they became dynastic.
Meanwhile, the Eastern Conference saw the Chicago Bulls emerge as legitimate contenders for the first time in nearly a decade. As someone who watched Derrick Rose's MVP season, seeing this franchise relevant again felt like coming full circle. DeMar DeRozan's back-to-back game-winners in December weren't just highlight reel moments - they signaled a fundamental shift in the team's confidence. His 27.9 points per game on 50% shooting represented one of the most efficient high-volume scoring seasons I've analyzed in recent memory. Zach LaVine's decision to play through his knee injury demonstrated a maturity I hadn't seen from him before, while Lonzo Ball's two-way impact before his meniscus tear fundamentally changed how the Bulls played. Their 27-11 start was the franchise's best since the Jordan era, though their midseason regression revealed real concerns about their defensive consistency against elite competition.
The most disappointing performance for me personally was the Los Angeles Lakers. I've always been skeptical of superteams built around aging stars, but even I expected more from a roster featuring LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Russell Westbrook. Their 33-49 record was frankly embarrassing for an organization with their resources and legacy. The fit issues were obvious from opening night - Westbrook's 4.8 turnovers per game exacerbated their spacing problems, while Davis missing 42 games continued his troubling injury pattern. What frustrated me most was their lack of defensive identity; they ranked 21st in defensive rating despite having personnel capable of much better. Frank Vogel took too much blame in my opinion - the front office constructed a fundamentally flawed roster that was both old and poorly spaced.
Golden State's return to prominence was particularly satisfying to watch, especially Stephen Curry breaking the all-time three-point record. Having covered his entire career, witnessing him surpass Ray Allen felt like watching history come full circle. What many overlooked was how Jordan Poole's development into a legitimate scoring threat (18.5 points per game) preserved their offense during Klay Thompson's extended absence. Draymond Green's defensive leadership remained elite until his back injury, and I believe his absence cost them the top seed in the West. The emergence of Andrew Wiggins as an All-Star starter surprised many, but I've always maintained his athletic tools were All-NBA caliber - he just needed the right environment and motivation.
The season's most underappreciated story was the Cleveland Cavaliers' transformation. Honestly, I had them pegged for another lottery season, but their 44-38 record proved how quickly young teams can develop with the right pieces. Darius Garland's leap to 21.7 points and 8.6 assists per game established him as one of the league's most dynamic young point guards, while Evan Mobley's defensive impact at just 20 years old was extraordinary. Their three-big lineup with Jarrett Allen and Kevin Love revitalized looked unworkable on paper but dominated in practice, proving that sometimes the best innovations come from necessity rather than design.
As the playoffs approach, what stays with me is how this season reinforced that basketball excellence comes in many forms. The championship contenders rightfully command attention, but the growth stories and surprise performances create the league's rich texture. Teams playing for development or pride, much like Terrafirma and Blackwater in that PBA game, contribute to the NBA's ecosystem in vital ways. The Grizzlies' emergence, the Bulls' resurgence, and the Cavaliers' unexpected competitiveness remind us why we watch 82 games - not just for the ultimate champion, but for the countless smaller victories and transformations along the way. This season particularly highlighted how quickly NBA landscapes can shift, with new contenders emerging while established powers face unexpected challenges, creating a dynamic that keeps the league perpetually fascinating.
