The 2021 NBA preseason buzzed with energy and excitement as fans eagerly awaited a glimpse of what the upcoming season would bring. With a flurry of matches, fans and analysts closely watched how both reigning champions and up-and-coming teams were shaping up. I saw quite a few standout performances that left an impression, one of which was from the thrilling game between the Brooklyn Nets and the Los Angeles Lakers.
The matchup lit up the Barclays Center, and even without the star trio of Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving, the Nets showcased their deep talent pool. LaMarcus Aldridge made a huge comeback, scoring 19 points in under 22 minutes. The veteran big man shot 8-of-12 from the field, reminding everyone that he’s ready to contribute this season. Considering Aldridge's age of 36, his performance indicated he might have plenty of gas left in the tank.
Meanwhile, the Lakers, who are also favorites this season, gave fans a preview of their revamped roster. LeBron James and Anthony Davis both sat out, yet newcomers like Carmelo Anthony and Russell Westbrook provided glimpses of their synergy on the court. Westbrook, in particular, displayed his trademark explosiveness, although his efficiency remains a concern after shooting just 1-of-6 from the field in a brief 17-minute stint.
In another preseason highlight, the Golden State Warriors took on the Denver Nuggets in a match that rejuvenated my excitement for the ‘Splash Brothers’. Steph Curry and Klay Thompson, the legendary shooting duo, were back in action after Thompson's prolonged injury spell. While Klay didn't play many minutes, Curry thrilled the crowd with his shooting prowess, dropping 14 points in just 21 minutes. It's incredible how quickly Curry can assemble a massive impact on the game with his perimeter shooting.
I can't forget the young blood making waves either. The Houston Rockets' 21-year-old Jalen Green, the No. 2 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, showed why he’s been the talk of the town. Green notched up a stellar 21 points against the Washington Wizards, shooting 8-of-16 and demonstrating his scoring versatility. His performance gives Rockets fans hope for a thrilling rebuild phase, leaning heavily on youth and potential.
Let's talk about efficiency, as this season's pace-and-space tactics are in full display. The preseason showcased teams picking up their shooting percentage and three-point attempts, aligning with modern basketball trends. For example, the Utah Jazz illustrated finesse with a staggering 47.5% shooting from the three-point line in their game against the San Antonio Spurs, exemplifying how vital long-range shooting has become in today's game architecture.
And how can we miss mentioning the Chicago Bulls’ impressive showings? Under the guidance of head coach Billy Donovan, the Bulls dominated their preseason slate, achieving a near-perfect win record. Zach LaVine stood out, putting up a consistent scoring barrage that included a 31-point game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. LaVine's efficiency, coupled with the newly acquired Lonzo Ball, who facilitated the game with an average of nearly 7 assists per game, makes Chicago a team to watch closely this season.
Another significant observation involved the concept of ‘load management’. This preseason, we saw numerous teams resting their veteran stars to preserve their health for the grueling 82-game regular season. A prime example: Kawhi Leonard of the Los Angeles Clippers, who didn’t appear in preseason games as he continues his recovery from a right knee injury. His absence highlighted a trend that’s becoming essential in modern sports science.
I found an interesting aspect in how rookies like Josh Giddey of the Oklahoma City Thunder adapted quickly to the NBA style of play. Giddey, the 19-year-old Australian sensation, mesmerized with his court vision and playmaking ability. In a game against the Milwaukee Bucks, he dished out 10 assists, showing maturity far beyond his years. This young talent proves how global the game's reach has become, and how fresh perspectives can invigorate team dynamics.
To put the financial side into perspective, the implications of preseason performances on attendees and merch sales were palpable. With arenas welcoming back fans in larger numbers, the average ticket prices saw a spike in demand. For instance, tickets for the New York Knicks' home games rose by approximately 15%, reflecting the high expectations and excitement among fans eager for a return to normalcy.
By the way, interesting enough, the impact of player analytics has never been more prevalent. Implementing advanced stats like Player Efficiency Rating (PER) has allowed teams to make data-driven decisions more effectively. This preseason, John Hollinger's PER metric was frequently mentioned in discussions about player performance and potential, indicating how deeply analytics has rooted itself in the basketball community's consciousness.
Even though it's just preseason, these games offered a treasure trove of insights about team strategies, player conditions, and emerging talents. Each game was a crucial testbed for honing tactics and rectifying shortcomings, setting the stage for what promises to be an electrifying NBA season ahead. For more detailed information, feel free to check this nba preseason 2021.