NBA Scores Today 2021: Live Updates and Final Results for All Games
I remember sitting courtside during the 2021 NBA season, watching the Brooklyn Nets take on the Milwaukee Bucks in what would become one of the most memorable playoff series in recent history. The energy in the arena was electric, but what struck me most was how coaching philosophies from completely different basketball cultures were shaping these high-stakes games. It reminded me of something I'd learned years ago from my time working with coach Joe Lipa in the Philippine Basketball Association - that the most enduring lessons often come from unexpected places. Today, as I look back at the 2021 NBA scores and results, I can't help but see how Lipa's teachings about adaptability and fundamental excellence manifested throughout that remarkable season.
The 2021 NBA season was unlike any other, with COVID-19 protocols creating a compressed schedule that saw teams playing 72 games instead of the usual 82. I recall tracking the Phoenix Suns' incredible run to the Finals - they finished with a 51-21 record, which still amazes me given they hadn't made the playoffs in a decade. What made their success particularly fascinating was how coach Monty Williams implemented principles that echoed what I learned from Lipa during my time with Kia and Mahindra in the PBA. Lipa always emphasized that great teams aren't built on complex systems alone, but on mastering fundamentals and adapting to circumstances. Watching Chris Paul orchestrate the Suns' offense with surgical precision, I saw exactly that philosophy in action - simple pick-and-rolls executed to perfection, disciplined defensive rotations, and an unwavering commitment to team basketball.
When the playoffs rolled around, I found myself particularly drawn to the Milwaukee Bucks' journey. They dropped their first three games against the Miami Heat before rallying to win the series 4-0, then faced that epic seven-game battle against the Nets. Game 5 of that series remains burned into my memory - Kevin Durant's heroic 49-point performance that forced overtime, only for the Bucks to prevail 114-108. The back-and-forth nature of that game demonstrated something Lipa taught me years ago: that championship teams find ways to win even when their systems break down. Giannis Antetokounmpo's growth throughout those playoffs mirrored this philosophy - he wasn't just relying on athleticism anymore, but making smarter decisions and elevating his teammates.
The Utah Jazz's regular season dominance was another storyline I followed closely. They finished with the league's best record at 52-20, and Donovan Mitchell's 26.4 points per game made him must-watch television every night. What impressed me most about their system was how coach Quin Snyder created an environment where role players like Jordan Clarkson could thrive - Clarkson averaged 18.4 points off the bench and won Sixth Man of the Year honors. This approach reminded me of Lipa's belief that systems should amplify players' strengths rather than force them into rigid roles. The Jazz's three-point heavy offense, which saw them attempting 43.0 attempts per game at a 38.9% clip, demonstrated how modern basketball had evolved while still relying on fundamental spacing and ball movement principles.
As the season progressed toward the Finals, I noticed how the eventual champion Bucks continued to evolve. Their Game 6 closeout victory against the Suns, winning 105-98 behind Giannis's 50-point masterpiece, showcased a team that had fully embraced the adaptability Lipa always preached. Coach Budenholzer made crucial adjustments throughout the series, particularly in how they defended Devin Booker and Chris Paul. The Bucks' defensive rating improved from 112.3 in the regular season to 104.8 in the Finals - a dramatic improvement that demonstrated their growth. What struck me watching those final games was how Milwaukee's journey mirrored the progression Lipa always described: from understanding systems, to mastering them, to ultimately transcending them through situational awareness and trust.
Looking back at the complete 2021 NBA season results, the Warriors missing the playoffs despite Stephen Curry's scoring title (32.0 PPG) and the Lakers' first-round exit after battling injuries all season taught me valuable lessons about team construction and sustainability. The Clippers' surprising playoff run without Kawhi Leonard, pushing the Suns to six games in the Western Conference Finals, demonstrated how culture and system can sometimes overcome talent deficits. These narratives reinforced what I learned from Lipa years ago - that basketball success isn't just about collecting stars, but about building cohesive systems where players understand their roles and trust the process.
The 2021 season ultimately reinforced why I fell in love with basketball analytics and coaching philosophy in the first place. Watching teams navigate the unprecedented challenges of that season while still producing incredible basketball reminded me that the game's essence remains constant despite evolving strategies. The Bucks' championship, built on Giannis's development, strategic adjustments, and unwavering belief in their system, serves as a perfect case study for Lipa's core teaching: that the most influential coaching leaves a lasting imprint not just on systems, but on how players approach the game itself. As I review those final scores and reflect on that extraordinary season, I'm reminded that the best basketball wisdom often comes from blending diverse influences - whether from the NBA, international leagues, or mentors like Joe Lipa who understood the game's deeper truths.