As an avid NBA fan, I couldn’t wait to dive into the preseason games for 2021. It’s a critical time to gauge how the teams look before the regular season kicks off. For example, watching the reigning champions, Milwaukee Bucks, who boasted an impressive 72% win rate last season, face off against potential title contenders provides a glimpse of what’s to come.
Opening night on October 3rd featured the Brooklyn Nets vs. Los Angeles Lakers, attracting countless eyes. The Nets, with their star-studded roster including Kevin Durant and James Harden, showcased why they are considered one of the most formidable lineups. Meanwhile, the Lakers, having acquired Russell Westbrook during the offseason, demonstrated flashes of brilliance despite LeBron James logging just 18 minutes.
Mid-preseason, the Golden State Warriors’ game against the Denver Nuggets stood out. What captivated me was not just Steph Curry’s dazzling 30-foot three-pointers but also the debut of pivotal players like Jonathan Kuminga. The Warriors, focusing on integrating their young talents, made strategic moves; Kuminga’s athleticism and versatility are key assets they’re hoping to maximize over the 82-game cycle.
Another highlight was the matchup between the Chicago Bulls and Cleveland Cavaliers. The Bulls, who revamped their lineup with the addition of Lonzo Ball and DeMar DeRozan, looked sharp and efficient. Their ball movement, averaging 25 assists per game during the preseason, indicated their newfound offensive coherence. On the other hand, the Cavaliers are banking on the evolution of their young core, including Darius Garland and Evan Mobley, indicating a rebuild that’s in progress.
I found the October 15th clash between the Miami Heat and Boston Celtics fascinating. The Heat, playing in front of an elevated capacity crowd due to adjusted COVID-19 protocols, executed their game plan with precision. The offensive output from Tyler Herro, who posted a preseason-high 26 points, coupled with veteran leadership from Jimmy Butler, showed their intent. Meanwhile, the Celtics emphasized their defensive adjustments, an area scrutinized after allowing nearly 112 points per game last season.
The preseason concluded with a nail-biter between the Philadelphia 76ers and Detroit Pistons. Although the 76ers rested several key players, the focus shifted to young talents like Tyrese Maxey who clocked over 30 minutes and displayed remarkable poise. For the Pistons, Cade Cunningham’s performance as the top pick in the NBA Draft signified a bright future, especially after averaging 17 points and 6 assists during the preseason.
Checking out nba preseason schedule 2021 was necessary to plan which games to catch. It’s clear that preseason results don’t always reflect regular-season performance, but they provide invaluable insight into team chemistry, strategic adjustments, and player development. From analyzing player efficiency ratings to observing team rotations, this period is a treasure trove for fans who love the nitty-gritty of basketball analytics.
This year also saw technological advancements like advanced tracking data becoming accessible to fans, making it easier to analyze specific stats such as player speed, shot trajectories, and defensive metrics. For an NBA fanatic like me, delving into these numbers adds another layer of excitement.