It's been one hell of a ride during the 2023 NBA Playoffs. I mean, if you've been keeping up, you know just how intense every single game has been. Notably, the Golden State Warriors reclaimed their dominance this year. They clinched the championship, bagging their seventh title in franchise history. Stephen Curry led the charge, averaging an impressive 28.5 points per game throughout the playoffs, proving once again why he's one of the deadliest shooters in the game.
The road to the championship was nothing short of remarkable. The Warriors faced off against the Boston Celtics in the finals. The Celtics, of course, put up a tough fight. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown formed a dynamic duo, combining for an average of 45.3 points per game throughout the series. However, it just wasn't enough to dethrone the Warriors.
There was also a lot happening in the Eastern Conference. Of particular note was the Milwaukee Bucks’ semifinal exit, knocked out by the Miami Heat in a grueling seven-game series. Giannis Antetokounmpo, who averaged a jaw-dropping 31.2 points and 14.5 rebounds per game, couldn't carry his team past Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo. Butler, with his aggressive play style, averaged 27.8 points, making him one of the standout players of the playoffs.
One surprising element of this year's playoffs was the emergence of the Memphis Grizzlies as a legitimate threat. Ja Morant was electric, averaging 27.4 points and 7.3 assists per game. His explosive play and ability to drive the ball showcased why he's one of the most exciting young talents in the NBA. The Grizzlies made it to the Western Conference Finals but ultimately fell to the Warriors in six games.
And let's not forget about the Phoenix Suns. Despite last year's deep playoff run, they were shockingly eliminated in the first round by the New Orleans Pelicans. It was a tough series, but Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson proved to be too much for Chris Paul and Devin Booker. Williamson averaged 25.6 points and 8.9 rebounds per game, showing the world how dominant he can be when fully healthy.
For those who have been following, you'd know that the Brooklyn Nets had another tumultuous season. Despite having Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving on their roster, they were ousted in the first round by the up-and-coming Cleveland Cavaliers. Darius Garland and Evan Mobley were phenomenal, leading their team with great composure. Garland, especially, shined brightly with averages of 23.1 points and 6.5 assists per game.
If you’re wondering how the Lakers fared this year, they didn’t even make it to the playoffs, despite LeBron James having another stellar season. The Lakers missed the postseason by just two games, finishing 11th in the Western Conference. LeBron, who averaged 29.8 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 6.9 assists, couldn’t carry the weight of the team all by himself without more consistent support from his teammates.
The Toronto Raptors also had a notable playoff run. They managed to make it to the Eastern Conference Semifinals before being eliminated by the Celtics. Pascal Siakam and Fred VanVleet were key contributors, with Siakam averaging 21.9 points and 8.3 rebounds. The Raptors certainly proved they’re still a force to be reckoned with in the East.
On the coaching front, Steve Kerr of the Warriors once again highlighted why he’s considered one of the best in the business. His strategic adjustments and ability to get the most out of his players were crucial in their championship run. Kerr's winning percentage in the playoffs is now among the highest in NBA history, cementing his legacy further.
When talking about rookie sensations, how can we forget Jabari Smith Jr. of the Houston Rockets? He had a monster first playoff appearance, averaging 18.7 points and showing exceptional defensive prowess. Smith Jr. quickly became a fan favorite and brought a lot of hope to Houston’s future.
This year’s playoffs also saw several overtime thrillers, most memorable being the double-overtime clash between the Dallas Mavericks and Utah Jazz in the first round. Luka Dončić was phenomenal, logging 45 points and 12 assists in that game alone, leading the Mavs to a hard-fought victory. Yet, despite his heroics, the Mavericks couldn’t get past the second round.
Now, if there's one thing that stands out, it’s how unpredictable and thrilling this year’s playoffs have been. From buzzer-beaters to unexpected eliminations, every single game kept fans on the edge of their seats. Click nba standing playoff 2023 for the full standings and more detailed stats.
Throughout the playoffs, we also witnessed some historic milestones. For instance, Curry surpassed Ray Allen for the most three-pointers made in NBA playoff history, now sitting at 485 threes and counting. This feat solidified his status as arguably the greatest shooter of all time.
If you take a step back and look at the bigger picture, the 2023 NBA Playoffs were all about resilience, star power, and some good old-fashioned hard work. Whether it's the veterans showing they've still got it or the young guns proving their worth, this season had it all. Looking back, one can't help but get excited for what the 2024 playoffs will bring. But for now, it's time to savor the moments and celebrate the incredible achievements we've witnessed this season.