2021β22 NBA season | |
---|---|
League | National Basketball Association |
Sport | Basketball |
Duration |
|
Number of games | 82 |
Number of teams | 30 |
TV partner(s) | ABC, TNT, ESPN, NBA TV |
Draft | |
Top draft pick | Cade Cunningham |
Picked by | Detroit Pistons |
Regular season | |
Top seed | Phoenix Suns |
Season MVP | Nikola JokiΔ ( Denver) |
Top scorer | Joel Embiid ( Philadelphia) |
Playoffs | |
Eastern champions | Boston Celtics |
Eastern runners-up | Miami Heat |
Western champions | Golden State Warriors |
Western runners-up | Dallas Mavericks |
Finals | |
Champions | Golden State Warriors |
Runners-up | Boston Celtics |
Finals MVP | Stephen Curry ( Golden State) |
The 2021β22 NBA season was the 76th season of the National Basketball Association (NBA). The regular season began on October 19, 2021, and ended on April 10, 2022. [1] For the first time since the 2018β19 season, the NBA returned to its usual October to April regular season schedule after the previous two seasons were shortened due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2022 NBA All-Star Game was played at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland on February 20, 2022. [2] [3] The play-in tournament was held on April 12β15, 2022. The 2022 NBA playoffs then began on April 16, and ended on June 16 with the Golden State Warriors defeating the Boston Celtics in the 2022 NBA Finals.
On July 7, 2021, the NBA announced that it would commemorate its 75th anniversary throughout the 2021β22 season. A 75th-anniversary diamond jubilee logo is featured in promotions across all NBA properties during the season, including on merchandise, digital and social media, and painted on the courts. [4] [5] It also announced its 75th anniversary team, honoring the greatest players in NBA history, as chosen by a panel of media, current and former players, coaches, general managers, and team executives. [6] All NBA uniforms feature the Nike (Association, Icon, and City uniform) and Jordan Brand (Statement and Charlotte Hornets uniform) logos in a diamond embellishment, while the normal NBA logo on the back was modified to also feature diamond embellishments and the NBA mark replaced by the number 75. [7]
The City edition for this season featured uniforms incorporating various design cues from different decades, with 27 of the 30 teams wearing these uniforms. The only teams not to participate were the New Orleans Pelicans, Phoenix Suns, and Utah Jazz. The Suns and Jazz wore last season's City uniforms, while the Pelicans wore a more standard City uniform as a tribute to the city of New Orleans. [8] [9] The Classic edition uniform for this season would be donned by the Boston Celtics, Golden State Warriors, and New York Knicks, the NBA's three surviving franchises from its first season. Both the Celtics and Knicks wore modern-day versions of the uniforms they wore from 1946, while the Warriors wore uniforms based on the designs they wore as the Philadelphia Warriors from 1946 to 1962. The classic Nike wordmark-and-swoosh logo appears on the Classic uniforms. [10]
The NBA also unveiled a new set of awards to honor division and conference championship winners, and the MVPs of the conference finals. The division championships were named after Nat "Sweetwater" Clifton ( Atlantic Division), Wayne Embry ( Central Division), Earl Lloyd ( Southeast Division), Willis Reed ( Southwest Division), Sam Jones ( Northwest Division), and Chuck Cooper ( Pacific Division). [11] The previously unnamed conference championship trophies were rebranded in honor of Bob Cousy ( Eastern Conference) and Oscar Robertson ( Western Conference), while the top performer of each conference finals will now receive awards named after Larry Bird (Eastern) and Magic Johnson (Western), respectively. In addition, the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy was redesigned to feature the top circular disk engraving the first 75 NBA champions, and the bottom disk representing the next 25 champions. [12]
Free agency began on August 2, 2021; for the second consecutive year, the period for free agency was pushed back from its normal starting date in July due to COVID-19 pandemic. [36] Notable signings included longtime Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry announcing his decision to sign with the Miami Heat on a long-term deal. [37] [38] Lonzo Ball announced he would be signing a four-year, $85 million deal with the Chicago Bulls, [39] joining fellow free agency signing DeMar DeRozan. [40] [41] The Los Angeles Clippers re-signed Kawhi Leonard, [42] and the Phoenix Suns re-signed Chris Paul. [43] In the east, the Brooklyn Nets extended Kevin Durant to a four-year $198 million deal. [44]
Team | 2020β21 season | 2021β22 season |
---|---|---|
Off-season | ||
Atlanta Hawks | Nate McMillan (interim) | Nate McMillan |
Boston Celtics | Brad Stevens | Ime Udoka |
Dallas Mavericks | Rick Carlisle | Jason Kidd |
Indiana Pacers | Nate Bjorkgren | Rick Carlisle |
New Orleans Pelicans | Stan Van Gundy | Willie Green |
Orlando Magic | Steve Clifford | Jamahl Mosley |
Portland Trail Blazers | Terry Stotts | Chauncey Billups |
Washington Wizards | Scott Brooks | Wes Unseld Jr. |
In-season | ||
Sacramento Kings | Luke Walton | Alvin Gentry (interim) |
As of October 2021, only the cities of Los Angeles, Toronto, New York City, and San Francisco have implemented requirements for spectators at sporting events to present proof of vaccination for COVID-19. While a majority of the league had seen its players get at least one dose of the vaccine, players in these named markets who choose not to be vaccinated would not be allowed to play home games. Moreover, the NBA has stated these players would be forced to forfeit money for the missed games. As of the announcement, the mandates were affecting the Brooklyn Nets, Golden State Warriors, Toronto Raptors, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, and New York Knicks. On January 3, 2022, an indoor vaccine mandate went into effect in Philadelphia, adding the Philadelphia 76ers to the aforementioned list. [63] As of December 2021, 97% of NBA players are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. [64] Furthermore, the NBA mandated that all guests ages 2+ seated within 15 feet of the court be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or submit a negative COVID-19 test, as well as wear masks unless actively eating or drinking.
Below were the COVID-19 rules for each team:
Team | COVID-19 policies |
---|---|
Atlanta | Vaccination and masks were not required. |
Boston | Masks were required for all guests ages 2+ until March 5, 2022. All guests ages 12+ were required to be fully vaccinated or provide a qualifying negative COVID-19 test. Beginning January 15, 2022, all guests ages 12+ were required to submit proof of at least one COVID-19 vaccination shot until February 15, where they had to submit full vaccination status. That rule was lifted on February 21, 2022. |
Brooklyn | In accordance with NYC's vaccination mandate, all guests ages 12+ were required to submit proof of at least one COVID-19 vaccination shot until December 27, where they had to submit proof of two doses of a two-shot vaccine, or one dose of a single-shot vaccine. All guests ages 5 to 11 were also required to submit proof of at least one COVID-19 vaccination shot until January 29, 2022, where they had to submit proof of two doses of a two-shot vaccine, or one dose of a single-shot vaccine. Those rules were lifted on March 7, 2022. Masks were only required for unvaccinated guests until February 7, 2022. |
Charlotte | Vaccination was not required. Masks were required for all guests ages 5+ until February 26, 2022. |
Chicago | Masks were required for all guests ages 2+. Furthermore, all guests ages 12+ were required to be fully vaccinated or provide a negative COVID-19 test. Beginning January 3, 2022, all guests ages 5+ were required to submit proof of full vaccination status. Those rules were lifted on February 28, 2022. |
Cleveland | Vaccination was not required. Masks were required for all guests ages 2+ from December 31, 2021, until February 1, 2022. |
Dallas | Vaccination was not required. Masks were required for all guests ages 2+ until February 26, 2022. |
Denver | Masks were required for all guests ages 2+. Beginning November 10, 2021, all guests ages 12+ were required to provide proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 or submit a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of tipoff. Those rules were lifted on March 12, 2022. |
Detroit | Vaccination and masks were not required. |
Golden State | Full vaccination was required for all guests ages 12+. Those not eligible for vaccination (ages 2-11) were required to submit a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of tipoff (48 hours for PCR or 24 hours for antigen beginning December 15). Effective December 6, guests ages 5-11 had the option to submit a negative COVID-19 test or show proof of full vaccination status. From February 1 to March 8, guests ages 12+ were required to show proof of full vaccination (including a booster, if eligible) or a negative COVID-19 test. Beginning March 8, the vaccination was reduced to complete initial series. On April 1, those rules were lifted. Masks were required for all guests ages 2+. That rule was lifted for the fully vaccinated on February 16, 2022, and for the unvaccinated in mid-May. |
Houston | Vaccination and masks were not required. |
Indiana | Vaccination and masks were not required. |
L.A. Clippers | All guests ages 2+ were required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or submit a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of tipoff (48 hours for PCR or 24 hours for antigen beginning December 15). Those rules were lifted on April 1, 2022. Masks were required for all guests ages 2+. That rule was lifted for the fully vaccinated on February 25, 2022, and for the unvaccinated on March 4. |
L.A. Lakers | |
Memphis | Full vaccination or negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours required to attend. Masks were required for all guests ages 2+. That rule for guests ages 12+ was lifted on October 28, 2021, and all other COVID-19 rules were lifted on November 19. |
Miami | Vaccination was not required. Masks were required for all guests ages 2+ until February 26, 2022. |
Milwaukee | Vaccination was not required. Masks were required for all guests ages 2+ from December 31, 2021, until March 2, 2022. |
Minnesota | Vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test was required for all guests ages 5+ from January 26, 2022, until February 10. Masks were required for all guests ages 2+ from January 6, 2022, until February 24. |
New Orleans | Proof of at least one vaccination shot or a negative COVID-19 test was required for all guests ages 12+. The rule also applied to guests ages 5+ on January 3, 2022, and full vaccination or a negative test was required, beginning February 1, 2022. Those rules were lifted on March 21, 2022. Masks were required for all guests ages 2+ until October 29, 2021, and from January 12, 2022, until March 3, 2022. |
New York | In accordance with NYC's vaccination mandate, all guests ages 12+ were required to submit proof of at least one COVID-19 vaccination shot until December 27, where they had to submit proof of two doses of a two-shot vaccine, or one dose of a single-shot vaccine. All guests ages 5 to 11 were also required to submit proof of at least one COVID-19 vaccination shot until January 29, 2022, where they had to submit proof of two doses of a two-shot vaccine, or one dose of a single-shot vaccine. Those rules were lifted on March 7, 2022. Masks were only required for unvaccinated guests ages 2+ until March 7, 2022. |
Orlando | Vaccination and masks were not required. |
Philadelphia | Masks were required for all guests ages 2+ until March 2, 2022, and from April 18, 2022, until April 22, 2022. Effective January 3, 2022, all guests ages 12+ must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. That same day, guests ages 5-11 were required to have least one vaccination shot until February 3, 2022, where they had to be fully vaccinated. Until January 17, they also had the option to provide a negative COVID-19 test. |
Phoenix | Vaccination was not required. Masks were only required to enter the arena, but recommended for all other times. That rule was lifted in early March 2022. |
Portland | Full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test was required for all guests ages 12+. Masks were required for all guests ages 2+. Those rules were lifted on March 12, 2022. |
Sacramento | All guests ages 2+ were required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or submit a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of tipoff (48 hours for PCR or 24 hours for antigen beginning December 15). Those rules were lifted on April 1, 2022. Masks were required for all guests ages 2+. That rule was lifted for the fully vaccinated on February 16, 2022, and for the unvaccinated on March 10. |
San Antonio | Vaccination and masks were not required. |
Toronto | Full vaccination status was required for all guests ages 12+ until March 1, 2022. The arena was reduced to 50% capacity, effective December 18, 2021, and to no fans, beginning December 31. The arena returned to full capacity on March 1, 2022. Masks were required for all guests ages 2+ until March 21, 2022. |
Utah | Full vaccination or negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of tipoff required for all guests ages 12+ until February 25, 2022. Masks were required for guests ages 2+ from January 8, 2022, to January 21. Masks were only required for guests ages 2-11 until January 8, 2022, and from January 21, 2022, until February 25. |
Washington | Masks were required for guests ages 2+ until November 23, 2021, and from December 20 to March 1, 2022. At least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine was required for all guests ages 12+ from January 15, 2022, to February 15, when that rule was lifted. |
The preseason began on October 3, 2021, and ended on October 15. [65] On October 5, a game between the Milwaukee Bucks and Memphis Grizzlies was suspended before the fourth quarter due to a false fire alarm. [66]
The regular season began on October 19, 2021, and ended on April 10, 2022. [1]
Atlantic Division | W | L | PCT | GB | Home | Road | Div | GP |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
y β Boston Celtics | 51 | 31 | .622 | β | 28–13 | 23–18 | 9β7 | 82 |
x β Philadelphia 76ers | 51 | 31 | .622 | β | 24–17 | 27–14 | 6β10 | 82 |
x β Toronto Raptors | 48 | 34 | .585 | 3.0 | 24–17 | 24–17 | 10β6 | 82 |
x β Brooklyn Nets | 44 | 38 | .537 | 7.0 | 20–21 | 24–17 | 10β6 | 82 |
New York Knicks | 37 | 45 | .451 | 14.0 | 17–24 | 20–21 | 5β11 | 82 |
Central Division | W | L | PCT | GB | Home | Road | Div | GP |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
y β Milwaukee Bucks | 51 | 31 | .622 | β | 27–14 | 24–17 | 12β4 | 82 |
x β Chicago Bulls | 46 | 36 | .561 | 5.0 | 27–14 | 19–22 | 10β6 | 82 |
pi β Cleveland Cavaliers | 44 | 38 | .537 | 7.0 | 25–16 | 19–22 | 10β6 | 82 |
Indiana Pacers | 25 | 57 | .305 | 26.0 | 16–25 | 9–32 | 2β14 | 82 |
Detroit Pistons | 23 | 59 | .280 | 28.0 | 13–28 | 10–31 | 6β10 | 82 |
Southeast Division | W | L | PCT | GB | Home | Road | Div | GP |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
c β Miami Heat | 53 | 29 | .646 | β | 29–12 | 24–17 | 13β3 | 82 |
x β Atlanta Hawks | 43 | 39 | .524 | 10.0 | 27–14 | 16–25 | 9β7 | 82 |
pi β Charlotte Hornets | 43 | 39 | .524 | 10.0 | 22–19 | 21–20 | 8β8 | 82 |
Washington Wizards | 35 | 47 | .427 | 18.0 | 21–20 | 14–27 | 7β9 | 82 |
Orlando Magic | 22 | 60 | .268 | 31.0 | 12–29 | 10–31 | 3β13 | 82 |
Northwest Division | W | L | PCT | GB | Home | Road | Div | GP |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
y β Utah Jazz | 49 | 33 | .598 | β | 29–12 | 20–21 | 15β1 | 82 |
x β Denver Nuggets | 48 | 34 | .585 | 1.0 | 23–18 | 25–16 | 6β10 | 82 |
x β Minnesota Timberwolves | 46 | 36 | .561 | 3.0 | 26–15 | 20–21 | 12β4 | 82 |
Portland Trail Blazers | 27 | 55 | .329 | 22.0 | 17–24 | 10–31 | 1β15 | 82 |
Oklahoma City Thunder | 24 | 58 | .293 | 25.0 | 12–29 | 12–29 | 6β10 | 82 |
Pacific Division | W | L | PCT | GB | Home | Road | Div | GP |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
z β Phoenix Suns | 64 | 18 | .780 | β | 32–9 | 32–9 | 10β6 | 82 |
x β Golden State Warriors | 53 | 29 | .646 | 11.0 | 31–10 | 22–19 | 12β4 | 82 |
pi β Los Angeles Clippers | 42 | 40 | .512 | 22.0 | 25–16 | 17–24 | 9β7 | 82 |
Los Angeles Lakers | 33 | 49 | .402 | 31.0 | 21–20 | 12–29 | 3β13 | 82 |
Sacramento Kings | 30 | 52 | .366 | 34.0 | 16–25 | 14–27 | 6β10 | 82 |
Southwest Division | W | L | PCT | GB | Home | Road | Div | GP |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
y β Memphis Grizzlies | 56 | 26 | .683 | β | 30–11 | 26–15 | 11β5 | 82 |
x β Dallas Mavericks | 52 | 30 | .634 | 4.0 | 29–12 | 23–18 | 14β2 | 82 |
x β New Orleans Pelicans | 36 | 46 | .439 | 20.0 | 19–22 | 17–24 | 6β10 | 82 |
pi β San Antonio Spurs | 34 | 48 | .415 | 22.0 | 16–25 | 18–23 | 6β10 | 82 |
Houston Rockets | 20 | 62 | .244 | 36.0 | 11–30 | 9–32 | 3β13 | 82 |
|
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Notes
Only the top six seeds in each conference advanced to the main rounds of the 2022 NBA playoffs, while the next four seeds participated in a Page playoff system tournament from April 12β15, 2022. The 7th-place team hosted the 8th-place team in the double-chance round needing to win one game to advance, with the winner clinching the 7th seed in the playoffs. The 9th-place team hosted the 10th-place team in the elimination round that requires two wins to advance, with the loser being eliminated from playoff contention. The loser in the double-chance round hosted the elimination-round game winner, with the winner clinching the 8th seed and the loser being eliminated. [75]
Play-in games | No. 8 seed game | Final seeds | |||||||||||
7 | Brooklyn | 115 | 7 | Brooklyn | No. 7 seed | ||||||||
8 | Cleveland | 108 | 9 | Atlanta | No. 8 seed | ||||||||
8 | Cleveland | 101 | |||||||||||
9 | Atlanta | 107 | |||||||||||
9 | Atlanta | 132 | |||||||||||
10 | Charlotte | 103 | |||||||||||
Bold Game winner
Italic Team with home-court advantage
Play-in games | No. 8 seed game | Final seeds | |||||||||||
7 | Minnesota | 109 | 7 | Minnesota | No. 7 seed | ||||||||
8 | LA Clippers | 104 | 9 | New Orleans | No. 8 seed | ||||||||
8 | LA Clippers | 101 | |||||||||||
9 | New Orleans | 105 | |||||||||||
9 | New Orleans | 113 | |||||||||||
10 | San Antonio | 103 | |||||||||||
Bold Game winner
Italic Team with home-court advantage
The playoffs began on April 16, 2022. The Finals began on June 2 and concluded on June 16. [1]
First round | Conference semifinals | Conference finals | NBA Finals | ||||||||||||||||
E1 | Miami* | 4 | |||||||||||||||||
E8 | Atlanta | 1 | |||||||||||||||||
E1 | Miami* | 4 | |||||||||||||||||
E4 | Philadelphia | 2 | |||||||||||||||||
E4 | Philadelphia | 4 | |||||||||||||||||
E5 | Toronto | 2 | |||||||||||||||||
E1 | Miami* | 3 | |||||||||||||||||
Eastern Conference | |||||||||||||||||||
E2 | Boston* | 4 | |||||||||||||||||
E3 | Milwaukee* | 4 | |||||||||||||||||
E6 | Chicago | 1 | |||||||||||||||||
E3 | Milwaukee* | 3 | |||||||||||||||||
E2 | Boston* | 4 | |||||||||||||||||
E2 | Boston* | 4 | |||||||||||||||||
E7 | Brooklyn | 0 | |||||||||||||||||
E2 | Boston* | 2 | |||||||||||||||||
W3 | Golden State | 4 | |||||||||||||||||
W1 | Phoenix* | 4 | |||||||||||||||||
W8 | New Orleans | 2 | |||||||||||||||||
W1 | Phoenix* | 3 | |||||||||||||||||
W4 | Dallas | 4 | |||||||||||||||||
W4 | Dallas | 4 | |||||||||||||||||
W5 | Utah* | 2 | |||||||||||||||||
W4 | Dallas | 1 | |||||||||||||||||
Western Conference | |||||||||||||||||||
W3 | Golden State | 4 | |||||||||||||||||
W3 | Golden State | 4 | |||||||||||||||||
W6 | Denver | 1 | |||||||||||||||||
W3 | Golden State | 4 | |||||||||||||||||
W2 | Memphis* | 2 | |||||||||||||||||
W2 | Memphis* | 4 | |||||||||||||||||
W7 | Minnesota | 2 |
Sourced to "2021β22 NBA Traditional Stats". NBA.com. Retrieved April 4, 2022.
Category | Player | Team(s) | Statistic |
---|---|---|---|
Points per game | Joel Embiid | Philadelphia 76ers | 30.6 |
Rebounds per game | Rudy Gobert | Utah Jazz | 14.7 |
Assists per game | Chris Paul | Phoenix Suns | 10.8 |
Steals per game | Dejounte Murray | San Antonio Spurs | 2.0 |
Blocks per game | Jaren Jackson Jr. | Memphis Grizzlies | 2.3 |
Turnovers per game | Luka DonΔiΔ | Dallas Mavericks | 4.5 |
Fouls per game | Jae'Sean Tate | Houston Rockets | 3.7 |
Minutes per game | Pascal Siakam | Toronto Raptors | 37.9 |
FG% | Rudy Gobert | Utah Jazz | 71.3% |
FT% | Jordan Poole | Golden State Warriors | 92.5% |
3FG% | Luke Kennard | Los Angeles Clippers | 44.9% |
Efficiency per game | Nikola JokiΔ | Denver Nuggets | 32.8 |
Double-doubles | Nikola JokiΔ | Denver Nuggets | 66 |
Triple-doubles | Nikola JokiΔ | Denver Nuggets | 19 |
Category | Player | Team | Statistic |
---|---|---|---|
Points | Karl-Anthony Towns | Minnesota Timberwolves | 60 |
Kyrie Irving | Brooklyn Nets | ||
Rebounds | Domantas Sabonis | Indiana Pacers | 25 |
Andre Drummond | Philadelphia 76ers | ||
Assists | Darius Garland | Cleveland Cavaliers | 19 |
Chris Paul | Phoenix Suns | ||
Steals | Paul George | Los Angeles Clippers | 8 |
Blocks | Daniel Gafford | Washington Wizards | 8 |
Mitchell Robinson | New York Knicks | ||
Three pointers | Bojan BogdanoviΔ | Utah Jazz | 11 |
Malik Beasley | Minnesota Timberwolves | ||
Robert Covington | Los Angeles Clippers |
Category | Team | Statistic |
---|---|---|
Points per game | Minnesota Timberwolves | 115.9 |
Rebounds per game | Memphis Grizzlies | 49.2 |
Assists per game | Charlotte Hornets | 28.1 |
Steals per game | Memphis Grizzlies | 9.8 |
Blocks per game | Memphis Grizzlies | 6.5 |
Turnovers per game | Houston Rockets | 16.5 |
Fouls per game | Detroit Pistons | 21.9 |
FG% | Phoenix Suns | 48.5% |
FT% | Philadelphia 76ers | 82.1% |
3P% | Miami Heat | 37.9% |
+/β | Phoenix Suns | +7.8 |
Award | Recipient(s) | Finalists [76] |
---|---|---|
Most Valuable Player | Nikola JokiΔ (Denver Nuggets) [77] |
Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks) Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers) |
Defensive Player of the Year | Marcus Smart (Boston Celtics) [78] |
Mikal Bridges (Phoenix Suns) Rudy Gobert (Utah Jazz) |
Rookie of the Year | Scottie Barnes (Toronto Raptors) [79] |
Cade Cunningham (Detroit Pistons) Evan Mobley (Cleveland Cavaliers) |
Sixth Man of the Year | Tyler Herro (Miami Heat) [80] |
Cameron Johnson (Phoenix Suns) Kevin Love (Cleveland Cavaliers) |
Most Improved Player | Ja Morant (Memphis Grizzlies) [81] |
Darius Garland (Cleveland Cavaliers) Dejounte Murray (San Antonio Spurs) |
Coach of the Year | Monty Williams (Phoenix Suns) [82] |
Taylor Jenkins (Memphis Grizzlies) Erik Spoelstra (Miami Heat) |
Executive of the Year | Zachary Kleiman (Memphis Grizzlies) [83] |
Koby Altman (Cleveland Cavaliers) ArtΕ«ras KarniΕ‘ovas (Chicago Bulls) |
NBA Sportsmanship Award | Patty Mills (Brooklyn Nets) [84] |
Bam Adebayo (Miami Heat) Mikal Bridges (Phoenix Suns) Darius Garland (Cleveland Cavaliers) Jeff Green (Denver Nuggets) Jaren Jackson Jr. (Memphis Grizzlies) |
TwymanβStokes Teammate of the Year Award | Jrue Holiday (Milwaukee Bucks) [85] |
DeMar DeRozan (Chicago Bulls) Boban MarjanoviΔ (Dallas Mavericks) |
Community Assist Award | Gary Payton II (Golden State Warriors) [86] |
Bismack Biyombo (Phoenix Suns) Robert Covington (Los Angeles Clippers) Luka DonΔiΔ (Dallas Mavericks) Tobias Harris (Philadelphia 76ers) Jaren Jackson Jr. (Memphis Grizzlies) Brook Lopez (Milwaukee Bucks) Ricky Rubio (Indiana Pacers) Karl-Anthony Towns (Minnesota Timberwolves) Trae Young (Atlanta Hawks) |
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Social Justice Champion Award | Reggie Bullock (Dallas Mavericks) [87] |
Jrue Holiday (Milwaukee Bucks) Jaren Jackson Jr. (Memphis Grizzlies) Karl-Anthony Towns (Minnesota Timberwolves) Fred VanVleet (Toronto Raptors) [88] |
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The following players were named the Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week.
Week | Eastern Conference | Western Conference | Ref |
---|---|---|---|
October 19β24 | Miles Bridges ( Charlotte Hornets) (1/1) | Stephen Curry ( Golden State Warriors) (1/2) | [92] |
October 25β31 | Jimmy Butler ( Miami Heat) (1/1) | Rudy Gobert ( Utah Jazz) (1/1) | [93] |
November 1β7 | Jarrett Allen ( Cleveland Cavaliers) (1/1) | Paul George ( Los Angeles Clippers) (1/1) | [94] |
November 8β14 | Kevin Durant ( Brooklyn Nets) (1/2) | Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors) (2/2) | [95] |
November 15β21 | Giannis Antetokounmpo ( Milwaukee Bucks) (1/1) | Damian Lillard ( Portland Trail Blazers) (1/1) | [96] |
November 22β28 | Trae Young ( Atlanta Hawks) (1/3) | Devin Booker ( Phoenix Suns) (1/3) | [97] |
November 29 β December 5 | DeMar DeRozan ( Chicago Bulls) (1/3) | Donovan Mitchell (Utah Jazz) (1/1) | [98] |
December 6β12 | Domantas Sabonis ( Indiana Pacers) (1/1) | LeBron James ( Los Angeles Lakers) (1/1) | [99] |
December 13β19 | Jayson Tatum ( Boston Celtics) (1/4) | Karl-Anthony Towns ( Minnesota Timberwolves) (1/3) | [100] |
December 20β26 | Kemba Walker ( New York Knicks) (1/1) | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ( Oklahoma City Thunder) (1/1) | [101] |
December 27 β January 2 | DeMar DeRozan (Chicago Bulls) (2/3) | Ja Morant ( Memphis Grizzlies) (1/2) | [102] |
January 3β9 | Fred VanVleet ( Toronto Raptors) (1/1) | Ja Morant (Memphis Grizzlies) (2/2) | [103] |
January 10β16 | Darius Garland (Cleveland Cavaliers) (1/1) | Devin Booker (Phoenix Suns) (2/3) | [104] |
January 17β23 | Trae Young (Atlanta Hawks) (2/3) | Nikola JokiΔ ( Denver Nuggets) (1/2) | [105] |
January 24β30 | Joel Embiid ( Philadelphia 76ers) (1/2) | Chris Paul (Phoenix Suns) (1/1) | [106] |
January 31 β February 6 | Pascal Siakam (Toronto Raptors) (1/1) | Brandon Ingram ( New Orleans Pelicans) (1/1) | [107] |
February 7β13 | DeMar DeRozan (Chicago Bulls) (3/3) | Luka DonΔiΔ ( Dallas Mavericks) (1/3) | [108] |
February 28 β March 6 | Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics) (2/4) | Karl-Anthony Towns (Minnesota Timberwolves) (2/3) | [109] |
March 7β13 | Kevin Durant (Brooklyn Nets) (2/2) | Luka DonΔiΔ (Dallas Mavericks) (2/3) | [110] |
March 14β20 | Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics) (3/4) | Karl-Anthony Towns (Minnesota Timberwolves) (3/3) | [111] |
March 21β27 | Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics) (4/4) | Devin Booker (Phoenix Suns) (3/3) | [112] |
March 28 β April 3 | Trae Young (Atlanta Hawks) (3/3) | Nikola JokiΔ (Denver Nuggets) (2/2) | [113] |
April 4β10 | Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers) (2/2) | Luka DonΔiΔ (Dallas Mavericks) (3/3) | [114] |
The following players were named the Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Month.
Month | Eastern Conference | Western Conference | Ref |
---|---|---|---|
October/November | Kevin Durant ( Brooklyn Nets) (1/1) | Stephen Curry ( Golden State Warriors) (1/1) | [115] |
December | Joel Embiid ( Philadelphia 76ers) (1/2) | Donovan Mitchell ( Utah Jazz) (1/1) | [116] |
January | Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers) (2/2) | Nikola JokiΔ ( Denver Nuggets) (1/2) | [117] |
February | DeMar DeRozan ( Chicago Bulls) (1/1) | Luka DonΔiΔ ( Dallas Mavericks) (1/1) | [118] |
March/April | Giannis Antetokounmpo ( Milwaukee Bucks) (1/1) | Nikola JokiΔ (Denver Nuggets) (2/2) | [119] |
The following players were named the Eastern and Western Conference Rookies of the Month.
Month | Eastern Conference | Western Conference | Ref |
---|---|---|---|
October/November | Evan Mobley ( Cleveland Cavaliers) (1/1) | Josh Giddey ( Oklahoma City Thunder) (1/4) | [120] |
December | Franz Wagner ( Orlando Magic) (1/1) | Josh Giddey (Oklahoma City Thunder) (2/4) | [121] |
January | Cade Cunningham ( Detroit Pistons) (1/1) | Josh Giddey (Oklahoma City Thunder) (3/4) | [122] |
February | Scottie Barnes ( Toronto Raptors) (1/2) | Josh Giddey (Oklahoma City Thunder) (4/4) | [123] |
March/April | Scottie Barnes (Toronto Raptors) (2/2) | Jalen Green ( Houston Rockets) (1/1) | [124] |
The following coaches were named the Eastern and Western Conference Coaches of the Month.
Month | Eastern Conference | Western Conference | Ref |
---|---|---|---|
October/November | Billy Donovan ( Chicago Bulls) (1/1) | Monty Williams ( Phoenix Suns) (1/2) | [125] |
December | Erik Spoelstra ( Miami Heat) (1/1) | Taylor Jenkins ( Memphis Grizzlies) (1/1) | [126] |
January | J. B. Bickerstaff ( Cleveland Cavaliers) (1/1) | Monty Williams (Phoenix Suns) (2/2) | [127] |
February | Ime Udoka ( Boston Celtics) (1/2) | Quin Snyder ( Utah Jazz) (1/1) | [128] |
March/April | Ime Udoka (Boston Celtics) (2/2) | Jason Kidd ( Dallas Mavericks) (1/1) | [129] |
This is the sixth year of a nine-year deal with ABC, ESPN, TNT, and NBA TV. [137] Beginning with this season, TNT moved its marquee Thursday doubleheaders to Tuesday nights starting with the season opener. The network will continue to air Thursday night doubleheaders, but only during opening week and beginning in January to avoid competing with Thursday Night Football. TNT aired a doubleheader on Martin Luther King Jr. Day (January 17) and the final day of the regular season (April 10). [138]
ABC began its NBA Saturday Primetime early with a special game airing on December 11.
On February 9, 2022, the WarriorsβJazz matchup televised on ESPN was the first in the network's history to have an all women production team. Beth Mowins was the play-by-play commentator, with Doris Burke as analyst and Lisa Salters on the sideline; in addition, 33 other women handled production roles in Salt Lake City and in the ESPN headquarters in Bristol, Connecticut. [139]
The Portland Trail Blazers signed a broadcasting deal with Root Sports Northwest, replacing NBC Sports Northwest as the team's game broadcasters. [140]
In Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals, ESPN's lead play-by-play Mike Breen was out due to COVID-19 protocols, which resulted to Mark Jones replacing Breen on play-by-play. In Game 1 of the 2022 NBA Finals, analyst Jeff Van Gundy was also out for the same reason, leaving Jones, Mark Jackson, and sideline reporter Lisa Salters; they were together the first all-African-American broadcast team for an NBA Finals game. [141] Van Gundy returned in Game 2, while Breen followed suit in Game 3. [142]
It was the 1,332nd career victory for Spurs coach Gregg Popovich, tying him with Lenny Wilkens for second place in NBA history ... .
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link)
2021β22 NBA season | |
---|---|
League | National Basketball Association |
Sport | Basketball |
Duration |
|
Number of games | 82 |
Number of teams | 30 |
TV partner(s) | ABC, TNT, ESPN, NBA TV |
Draft | |
Top draft pick | Cade Cunningham |
Picked by | Detroit Pistons |
Regular season | |
Top seed | Phoenix Suns |
Season MVP | Nikola JokiΔ ( Denver) |
Top scorer | Joel Embiid ( Philadelphia) |
Playoffs | |
Eastern champions | Boston Celtics |
Eastern runners-up | Miami Heat |
Western champions | Golden State Warriors |
Western runners-up | Dallas Mavericks |
Finals | |
Champions | Golden State Warriors |
Runners-up | Boston Celtics |
Finals MVP | Stephen Curry ( Golden State) |
The 2021β22 NBA season was the 76th season of the National Basketball Association (NBA). The regular season began on October 19, 2021, and ended on April 10, 2022. [1] For the first time since the 2018β19 season, the NBA returned to its usual October to April regular season schedule after the previous two seasons were shortened due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2022 NBA All-Star Game was played at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland on February 20, 2022. [2] [3] The play-in tournament was held on April 12β15, 2022. The 2022 NBA playoffs then began on April 16, and ended on June 16 with the Golden State Warriors defeating the Boston Celtics in the 2022 NBA Finals.
On July 7, 2021, the NBA announced that it would commemorate its 75th anniversary throughout the 2021β22 season. A 75th-anniversary diamond jubilee logo is featured in promotions across all NBA properties during the season, including on merchandise, digital and social media, and painted on the courts. [4] [5] It also announced its 75th anniversary team, honoring the greatest players in NBA history, as chosen by a panel of media, current and former players, coaches, general managers, and team executives. [6] All NBA uniforms feature the Nike (Association, Icon, and City uniform) and Jordan Brand (Statement and Charlotte Hornets uniform) logos in a diamond embellishment, while the normal NBA logo on the back was modified to also feature diamond embellishments and the NBA mark replaced by the number 75. [7]
The City edition for this season featured uniforms incorporating various design cues from different decades, with 27 of the 30 teams wearing these uniforms. The only teams not to participate were the New Orleans Pelicans, Phoenix Suns, and Utah Jazz. The Suns and Jazz wore last season's City uniforms, while the Pelicans wore a more standard City uniform as a tribute to the city of New Orleans. [8] [9] The Classic edition uniform for this season would be donned by the Boston Celtics, Golden State Warriors, and New York Knicks, the NBA's three surviving franchises from its first season. Both the Celtics and Knicks wore modern-day versions of the uniforms they wore from 1946, while the Warriors wore uniforms based on the designs they wore as the Philadelphia Warriors from 1946 to 1962. The classic Nike wordmark-and-swoosh logo appears on the Classic uniforms. [10]
The NBA also unveiled a new set of awards to honor division and conference championship winners, and the MVPs of the conference finals. The division championships were named after Nat "Sweetwater" Clifton ( Atlantic Division), Wayne Embry ( Central Division), Earl Lloyd ( Southeast Division), Willis Reed ( Southwest Division), Sam Jones ( Northwest Division), and Chuck Cooper ( Pacific Division). [11] The previously unnamed conference championship trophies were rebranded in honor of Bob Cousy ( Eastern Conference) and Oscar Robertson ( Western Conference), while the top performer of each conference finals will now receive awards named after Larry Bird (Eastern) and Magic Johnson (Western), respectively. In addition, the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy was redesigned to feature the top circular disk engraving the first 75 NBA champions, and the bottom disk representing the next 25 champions. [12]
Free agency began on August 2, 2021; for the second consecutive year, the period for free agency was pushed back from its normal starting date in July due to COVID-19 pandemic. [36] Notable signings included longtime Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry announcing his decision to sign with the Miami Heat on a long-term deal. [37] [38] Lonzo Ball announced he would be signing a four-year, $85 million deal with the Chicago Bulls, [39] joining fellow free agency signing DeMar DeRozan. [40] [41] The Los Angeles Clippers re-signed Kawhi Leonard, [42] and the Phoenix Suns re-signed Chris Paul. [43] In the east, the Brooklyn Nets extended Kevin Durant to a four-year $198 million deal. [44]
Team | 2020β21 season | 2021β22 season |
---|---|---|
Off-season | ||
Atlanta Hawks | Nate McMillan (interim) | Nate McMillan |
Boston Celtics | Brad Stevens | Ime Udoka |
Dallas Mavericks | Rick Carlisle | Jason Kidd |
Indiana Pacers | Nate Bjorkgren | Rick Carlisle |
New Orleans Pelicans | Stan Van Gundy | Willie Green |
Orlando Magic | Steve Clifford | Jamahl Mosley |
Portland Trail Blazers | Terry Stotts | Chauncey Billups |
Washington Wizards | Scott Brooks | Wes Unseld Jr. |
In-season | ||
Sacramento Kings | Luke Walton | Alvin Gentry (interim) |
As of October 2021, only the cities of Los Angeles, Toronto, New York City, and San Francisco have implemented requirements for spectators at sporting events to present proof of vaccination for COVID-19. While a majority of the league had seen its players get at least one dose of the vaccine, players in these named markets who choose not to be vaccinated would not be allowed to play home games. Moreover, the NBA has stated these players would be forced to forfeit money for the missed games. As of the announcement, the mandates were affecting the Brooklyn Nets, Golden State Warriors, Toronto Raptors, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, and New York Knicks. On January 3, 2022, an indoor vaccine mandate went into effect in Philadelphia, adding the Philadelphia 76ers to the aforementioned list. [63] As of December 2021, 97% of NBA players are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. [64] Furthermore, the NBA mandated that all guests ages 2+ seated within 15 feet of the court be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or submit a negative COVID-19 test, as well as wear masks unless actively eating or drinking.
Below were the COVID-19 rules for each team:
Team | COVID-19 policies |
---|---|
Atlanta | Vaccination and masks were not required. |
Boston | Masks were required for all guests ages 2+ until March 5, 2022. All guests ages 12+ were required to be fully vaccinated or provide a qualifying negative COVID-19 test. Beginning January 15, 2022, all guests ages 12+ were required to submit proof of at least one COVID-19 vaccination shot until February 15, where they had to submit full vaccination status. That rule was lifted on February 21, 2022. |
Brooklyn | In accordance with NYC's vaccination mandate, all guests ages 12+ were required to submit proof of at least one COVID-19 vaccination shot until December 27, where they had to submit proof of two doses of a two-shot vaccine, or one dose of a single-shot vaccine. All guests ages 5 to 11 were also required to submit proof of at least one COVID-19 vaccination shot until January 29, 2022, where they had to submit proof of two doses of a two-shot vaccine, or one dose of a single-shot vaccine. Those rules were lifted on March 7, 2022. Masks were only required for unvaccinated guests until February 7, 2022. |
Charlotte | Vaccination was not required. Masks were required for all guests ages 5+ until February 26, 2022. |
Chicago | Masks were required for all guests ages 2+. Furthermore, all guests ages 12+ were required to be fully vaccinated or provide a negative COVID-19 test. Beginning January 3, 2022, all guests ages 5+ were required to submit proof of full vaccination status. Those rules were lifted on February 28, 2022. |
Cleveland | Vaccination was not required. Masks were required for all guests ages 2+ from December 31, 2021, until February 1, 2022. |
Dallas | Vaccination was not required. Masks were required for all guests ages 2+ until February 26, 2022. |
Denver | Masks were required for all guests ages 2+. Beginning November 10, 2021, all guests ages 12+ were required to provide proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 or submit a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of tipoff. Those rules were lifted on March 12, 2022. |
Detroit | Vaccination and masks were not required. |
Golden State | Full vaccination was required for all guests ages 12+. Those not eligible for vaccination (ages 2-11) were required to submit a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of tipoff (48 hours for PCR or 24 hours for antigen beginning December 15). Effective December 6, guests ages 5-11 had the option to submit a negative COVID-19 test or show proof of full vaccination status. From February 1 to March 8, guests ages 12+ were required to show proof of full vaccination (including a booster, if eligible) or a negative COVID-19 test. Beginning March 8, the vaccination was reduced to complete initial series. On April 1, those rules were lifted. Masks were required for all guests ages 2+. That rule was lifted for the fully vaccinated on February 16, 2022, and for the unvaccinated in mid-May. |
Houston | Vaccination and masks were not required. |
Indiana | Vaccination and masks were not required. |
L.A. Clippers | All guests ages 2+ were required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or submit a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of tipoff (48 hours for PCR or 24 hours for antigen beginning December 15). Those rules were lifted on April 1, 2022. Masks were required for all guests ages 2+. That rule was lifted for the fully vaccinated on February 25, 2022, and for the unvaccinated on March 4. |
L.A. Lakers | |
Memphis | Full vaccination or negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours required to attend. Masks were required for all guests ages 2+. That rule for guests ages 12+ was lifted on October 28, 2021, and all other COVID-19 rules were lifted on November 19. |
Miami | Vaccination was not required. Masks were required for all guests ages 2+ until February 26, 2022. |
Milwaukee | Vaccination was not required. Masks were required for all guests ages 2+ from December 31, 2021, until March 2, 2022. |
Minnesota | Vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test was required for all guests ages 5+ from January 26, 2022, until February 10. Masks were required for all guests ages 2+ from January 6, 2022, until February 24. |
New Orleans | Proof of at least one vaccination shot or a negative COVID-19 test was required for all guests ages 12+. The rule also applied to guests ages 5+ on January 3, 2022, and full vaccination or a negative test was required, beginning February 1, 2022. Those rules were lifted on March 21, 2022. Masks were required for all guests ages 2+ until October 29, 2021, and from January 12, 2022, until March 3, 2022. |
New York | In accordance with NYC's vaccination mandate, all guests ages 12+ were required to submit proof of at least one COVID-19 vaccination shot until December 27, where they had to submit proof of two doses of a two-shot vaccine, or one dose of a single-shot vaccine. All guests ages 5 to 11 were also required to submit proof of at least one COVID-19 vaccination shot until January 29, 2022, where they had to submit proof of two doses of a two-shot vaccine, or one dose of a single-shot vaccine. Those rules were lifted on March 7, 2022. Masks were only required for unvaccinated guests ages 2+ until March 7, 2022. |
Orlando | Vaccination and masks were not required. |
Philadelphia | Masks were required for all guests ages 2+ until March 2, 2022, and from April 18, 2022, until April 22, 2022. Effective January 3, 2022, all guests ages 12+ must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. That same day, guests ages 5-11 were required to have least one vaccination shot until February 3, 2022, where they had to be fully vaccinated. Until January 17, they also had the option to provide a negative COVID-19 test. |
Phoenix | Vaccination was not required. Masks were only required to enter the arena, but recommended for all other times. That rule was lifted in early March 2022. |
Portland | Full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test was required for all guests ages 12+. Masks were required for all guests ages 2+. Those rules were lifted on March 12, 2022. |
Sacramento | All guests ages 2+ were required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or submit a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of tipoff (48 hours for PCR or 24 hours for antigen beginning December 15). Those rules were lifted on April 1, 2022. Masks were required for all guests ages 2+. That rule was lifted for the fully vaccinated on February 16, 2022, and for the unvaccinated on March 10. |
San Antonio | Vaccination and masks were not required. |
Toronto | Full vaccination status was required for all guests ages 12+ until March 1, 2022. The arena was reduced to 50% capacity, effective December 18, 2021, and to no fans, beginning December 31. The arena returned to full capacity on March 1, 2022. Masks were required for all guests ages 2+ until March 21, 2022. |
Utah | Full vaccination or negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of tipoff required for all guests ages 12+ until February 25, 2022. Masks were required for guests ages 2+ from January 8, 2022, to January 21. Masks were only required for guests ages 2-11 until January 8, 2022, and from January 21, 2022, until February 25. |
Washington | Masks were required for guests ages 2+ until November 23, 2021, and from December 20 to March 1, 2022. At least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine was required for all guests ages 12+ from January 15, 2022, to February 15, when that rule was lifted. |
The preseason began on October 3, 2021, and ended on October 15. [65] On October 5, a game between the Milwaukee Bucks and Memphis Grizzlies was suspended before the fourth quarter due to a false fire alarm. [66]
The regular season began on October 19, 2021, and ended on April 10, 2022. [1]
Atlantic Division | W | L | PCT | GB | Home | Road | Div | GP |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
y β Boston Celtics | 51 | 31 | .622 | β | 28–13 | 23–18 | 9β7 | 82 |
x β Philadelphia 76ers | 51 | 31 | .622 | β | 24–17 | 27–14 | 6β10 | 82 |
x β Toronto Raptors | 48 | 34 | .585 | 3.0 | 24–17 | 24–17 | 10β6 | 82 |
x β Brooklyn Nets | 44 | 38 | .537 | 7.0 | 20–21 | 24–17 | 10β6 | 82 |
New York Knicks | 37 | 45 | .451 | 14.0 | 17–24 | 20–21 | 5β11 | 82 |
Central Division | W | L | PCT | GB | Home | Road | Div | GP |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
y β Milwaukee Bucks | 51 | 31 | .622 | β | 27–14 | 24–17 | 12β4 | 82 |
x β Chicago Bulls | 46 | 36 | .561 | 5.0 | 27–14 | 19–22 | 10β6 | 82 |
pi β Cleveland Cavaliers | 44 | 38 | .537 | 7.0 | 25–16 | 19–22 | 10β6 | 82 |
Indiana Pacers | 25 | 57 | .305 | 26.0 | 16–25 | 9–32 | 2β14 | 82 |
Detroit Pistons | 23 | 59 | .280 | 28.0 | 13–28 | 10–31 | 6β10 | 82 |
Southeast Division | W | L | PCT | GB | Home | Road | Div | GP |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
c β Miami Heat | 53 | 29 | .646 | β | 29–12 | 24–17 | 13β3 | 82 |
x β Atlanta Hawks | 43 | 39 | .524 | 10.0 | 27–14 | 16–25 | 9β7 | 82 |
pi β Charlotte Hornets | 43 | 39 | .524 | 10.0 | 22–19 | 21–20 | 8β8 | 82 |
Washington Wizards | 35 | 47 | .427 | 18.0 | 21–20 | 14–27 | 7β9 | 82 |
Orlando Magic | 22 | 60 | .268 | 31.0 | 12–29 | 10–31 | 3β13 | 82 |
Northwest Division | W | L | PCT | GB | Home | Road | Div | GP |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
y β Utah Jazz | 49 | 33 | .598 | β | 29–12 | 20–21 | 15β1 | 82 |
x β Denver Nuggets | 48 | 34 | .585 | 1.0 | 23–18 | 25–16 | 6β10 | 82 |
x β Minnesota Timberwolves | 46 | 36 | .561 | 3.0 | 26–15 | 20–21 | 12β4 | 82 |
Portland Trail Blazers | 27 | 55 | .329 | 22.0 | 17–24 | 10–31 | 1β15 | 82 |
Oklahoma City Thunder | 24 | 58 | .293 | 25.0 | 12–29 | 12–29 | 6β10 | 82 |
Pacific Division | W | L | PCT | GB | Home | Road | Div | GP |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
z β Phoenix Suns | 64 | 18 | .780 | β | 32–9 | 32–9 | 10β6 | 82 |
x β Golden State Warriors | 53 | 29 | .646 | 11.0 | 31–10 | 22–19 | 12β4 | 82 |
pi β Los Angeles Clippers | 42 | 40 | .512 | 22.0 | 25–16 | 17–24 | 9β7 | 82 |
Los Angeles Lakers | 33 | 49 | .402 | 31.0 | 21–20 | 12–29 | 3β13 | 82 |
Sacramento Kings | 30 | 52 | .366 | 34.0 | 16–25 | 14–27 | 6β10 | 82 |
Southwest Division | W | L | PCT | GB | Home | Road | Div | GP |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
y β Memphis Grizzlies | 56 | 26 | .683 | β | 30–11 | 26–15 | 11β5 | 82 |
x β Dallas Mavericks | 52 | 30 | .634 | 4.0 | 29–12 | 23–18 | 14β2 | 82 |
x β New Orleans Pelicans | 36 | 46 | .439 | 20.0 | 19–22 | 17–24 | 6β10 | 82 |
pi β San Antonio Spurs | 34 | 48 | .415 | 22.0 | 16–25 | 18–23 | 6β10 | 82 |
Houston Rockets | 20 | 62 | .244 | 36.0 | 11–30 | 9–32 | 3β13 | 82 |
|
|
Notes
Only the top six seeds in each conference advanced to the main rounds of the 2022 NBA playoffs, while the next four seeds participated in a Page playoff system tournament from April 12β15, 2022. The 7th-place team hosted the 8th-place team in the double-chance round needing to win one game to advance, with the winner clinching the 7th seed in the playoffs. The 9th-place team hosted the 10th-place team in the elimination round that requires two wins to advance, with the loser being eliminated from playoff contention. The loser in the double-chance round hosted the elimination-round game winner, with the winner clinching the 8th seed and the loser being eliminated. [75]
Play-in games | No. 8 seed game | Final seeds | |||||||||||
7 | Brooklyn | 115 | 7 | Brooklyn | No. 7 seed | ||||||||
8 | Cleveland | 108 | 9 | Atlanta | No. 8 seed | ||||||||
8 | Cleveland | 101 | |||||||||||
9 | Atlanta | 107 | |||||||||||
9 | Atlanta | 132 | |||||||||||
10 | Charlotte | 103 | |||||||||||
Bold Game winner
Italic Team with home-court advantage
Play-in games | No. 8 seed game | Final seeds | |||||||||||
7 | Minnesota | 109 | 7 | Minnesota | No. 7 seed | ||||||||
8 | LA Clippers | 104 | 9 | New Orleans | No. 8 seed | ||||||||
8 | LA Clippers | 101 | |||||||||||
9 | New Orleans | 105 | |||||||||||
9 | New Orleans | 113 | |||||||||||
10 | San Antonio | 103 | |||||||||||
Bold Game winner
Italic Team with home-court advantage
The playoffs began on April 16, 2022. The Finals began on June 2 and concluded on June 16. [1]
First round | Conference semifinals | Conference finals | NBA Finals | ||||||||||||||||
E1 | Miami* | 4 | |||||||||||||||||
E8 | Atlanta | 1 | |||||||||||||||||
E1 | Miami* | 4 | |||||||||||||||||
E4 | Philadelphia | 2 | |||||||||||||||||
E4 | Philadelphia | 4 | |||||||||||||||||
E5 | Toronto | 2 | |||||||||||||||||
E1 | Miami* | 3 | |||||||||||||||||
Eastern Conference | |||||||||||||||||||
E2 | Boston* | 4 | |||||||||||||||||
E3 | Milwaukee* | 4 | |||||||||||||||||
E6 | Chicago | 1 | |||||||||||||||||
E3 | Milwaukee* | 3 | |||||||||||||||||
E2 | Boston* | 4 | |||||||||||||||||
E2 | Boston* | 4 | |||||||||||||||||
E7 | Brooklyn | 0 | |||||||||||||||||
E2 | Boston* | 2 | |||||||||||||||||
W3 | Golden State | 4 | |||||||||||||||||
W1 | Phoenix* | 4 | |||||||||||||||||
W8 | New Orleans | 2 | |||||||||||||||||
W1 | Phoenix* | 3 | |||||||||||||||||
W4 | Dallas | 4 | |||||||||||||||||
W4 | Dallas | 4 | |||||||||||||||||
W5 | Utah* | 2 | |||||||||||||||||
W4 | Dallas | 1 | |||||||||||||||||
Western Conference | |||||||||||||||||||
W3 | Golden State | 4 | |||||||||||||||||
W3 | Golden State | 4 | |||||||||||||||||
W6 | Denver | 1 | |||||||||||||||||
W3 | Golden State | 4 | |||||||||||||||||
W2 | Memphis* | 2 | |||||||||||||||||
W2 | Memphis* | 4 | |||||||||||||||||
W7 | Minnesota | 2 |
Sourced to "2021β22 NBA Traditional Stats". NBA.com. Retrieved April 4, 2022.
Category | Player | Team(s) | Statistic |
---|---|---|---|
Points per game | Joel Embiid | Philadelphia 76ers | 30.6 |
Rebounds per game | Rudy Gobert | Utah Jazz | 14.7 |
Assists per game | Chris Paul | Phoenix Suns | 10.8 |
Steals per game | Dejounte Murray | San Antonio Spurs | 2.0 |
Blocks per game | Jaren Jackson Jr. | Memphis Grizzlies | 2.3 |
Turnovers per game | Luka DonΔiΔ | Dallas Mavericks | 4.5 |
Fouls per game | Jae'Sean Tate | Houston Rockets | 3.7 |
Minutes per game | Pascal Siakam | Toronto Raptors | 37.9 |
FG% | Rudy Gobert | Utah Jazz | 71.3% |
FT% | Jordan Poole | Golden State Warriors | 92.5% |
3FG% | Luke Kennard | Los Angeles Clippers | 44.9% |
Efficiency per game | Nikola JokiΔ | Denver Nuggets | 32.8 |
Double-doubles | Nikola JokiΔ | Denver Nuggets | 66 |
Triple-doubles | Nikola JokiΔ | Denver Nuggets | 19 |
Category | Player | Team | Statistic |
---|---|---|---|
Points | Karl-Anthony Towns | Minnesota Timberwolves | 60 |
Kyrie Irving | Brooklyn Nets | ||
Rebounds | Domantas Sabonis | Indiana Pacers | 25 |
Andre Drummond | Philadelphia 76ers | ||
Assists | Darius Garland | Cleveland Cavaliers | 19 |
Chris Paul | Phoenix Suns | ||
Steals | Paul George | Los Angeles Clippers | 8 |
Blocks | Daniel Gafford | Washington Wizards | 8 |
Mitchell Robinson | New York Knicks | ||
Three pointers | Bojan BogdanoviΔ | Utah Jazz | 11 |
Malik Beasley | Minnesota Timberwolves | ||
Robert Covington | Los Angeles Clippers |
Category | Team | Statistic |
---|---|---|
Points per game | Minnesota Timberwolves | 115.9 |
Rebounds per game | Memphis Grizzlies | 49.2 |
Assists per game | Charlotte Hornets | 28.1 |
Steals per game | Memphis Grizzlies | 9.8 |
Blocks per game | Memphis Grizzlies | 6.5 |
Turnovers per game | Houston Rockets | 16.5 |
Fouls per game | Detroit Pistons | 21.9 |
FG% | Phoenix Suns | 48.5% |
FT% | Philadelphia 76ers | 82.1% |
3P% | Miami Heat | 37.9% |
+/β | Phoenix Suns | +7.8 |
Award | Recipient(s) | Finalists [76] |
---|---|---|
Most Valuable Player | Nikola JokiΔ (Denver Nuggets) [77] |
Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks) Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers) |
Defensive Player of the Year | Marcus Smart (Boston Celtics) [78] |
Mikal Bridges (Phoenix Suns) Rudy Gobert (Utah Jazz) |
Rookie of the Year | Scottie Barnes (Toronto Raptors) [79] |
Cade Cunningham (Detroit Pistons) Evan Mobley (Cleveland Cavaliers) |
Sixth Man of the Year | Tyler Herro (Miami Heat) [80] |
Cameron Johnson (Phoenix Suns) Kevin Love (Cleveland Cavaliers) |
Most Improved Player | Ja Morant (Memphis Grizzlies) [81] |
Darius Garland (Cleveland Cavaliers) Dejounte Murray (San Antonio Spurs) |
Coach of the Year | Monty Williams (Phoenix Suns) [82] |
Taylor Jenkins (Memphis Grizzlies) Erik Spoelstra (Miami Heat) |
Executive of the Year | Zachary Kleiman (Memphis Grizzlies) [83] |
Koby Altman (Cleveland Cavaliers) ArtΕ«ras KarniΕ‘ovas (Chicago Bulls) |
NBA Sportsmanship Award | Patty Mills (Brooklyn Nets) [84] |
Bam Adebayo (Miami Heat) Mikal Bridges (Phoenix Suns) Darius Garland (Cleveland Cavaliers) Jeff Green (Denver Nuggets) Jaren Jackson Jr. (Memphis Grizzlies) |
TwymanβStokes Teammate of the Year Award | Jrue Holiday (Milwaukee Bucks) [85] |
DeMar DeRozan (Chicago Bulls) Boban MarjanoviΔ (Dallas Mavericks) |
Community Assist Award | Gary Payton II (Golden State Warriors) [86] |
Bismack Biyombo (Phoenix Suns) Robert Covington (Los Angeles Clippers) Luka DonΔiΔ (Dallas Mavericks) Tobias Harris (Philadelphia 76ers) Jaren Jackson Jr. (Memphis Grizzlies) Brook Lopez (Milwaukee Bucks) Ricky Rubio (Indiana Pacers) Karl-Anthony Towns (Minnesota Timberwolves) Trae Young (Atlanta Hawks) |
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Social Justice Champion Award | Reggie Bullock (Dallas Mavericks) [87] |
Jrue Holiday (Milwaukee Bucks) Jaren Jackson Jr. (Memphis Grizzlies) Karl-Anthony Towns (Minnesota Timberwolves) Fred VanVleet (Toronto Raptors) [88] |
|
|
|
|
The following players were named the Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week.
Week | Eastern Conference | Western Conference | Ref |
---|---|---|---|
October 19β24 | Miles Bridges ( Charlotte Hornets) (1/1) | Stephen Curry ( Golden State Warriors) (1/2) | [92] |
October 25β31 | Jimmy Butler ( Miami Heat) (1/1) | Rudy Gobert ( Utah Jazz) (1/1) | [93] |
November 1β7 | Jarrett Allen ( Cleveland Cavaliers) (1/1) | Paul George ( Los Angeles Clippers) (1/1) | [94] |
November 8β14 | Kevin Durant ( Brooklyn Nets) (1/2) | Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors) (2/2) | [95] |
November 15β21 | Giannis Antetokounmpo ( Milwaukee Bucks) (1/1) | Damian Lillard ( Portland Trail Blazers) (1/1) | [96] |
November 22β28 | Trae Young ( Atlanta Hawks) (1/3) | Devin Booker ( Phoenix Suns) (1/3) | [97] |
November 29 β December 5 | DeMar DeRozan ( Chicago Bulls) (1/3) | Donovan Mitchell (Utah Jazz) (1/1) | [98] |
December 6β12 | Domantas Sabonis ( Indiana Pacers) (1/1) | LeBron James ( Los Angeles Lakers) (1/1) | [99] |
December 13β19 | Jayson Tatum ( Boston Celtics) (1/4) | Karl-Anthony Towns ( Minnesota Timberwolves) (1/3) | [100] |
December 20β26 | Kemba Walker ( New York Knicks) (1/1) | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ( Oklahoma City Thunder) (1/1) | [101] |
December 27 β January 2 | DeMar DeRozan (Chicago Bulls) (2/3) | Ja Morant ( Memphis Grizzlies) (1/2) | [102] |
January 3β9 | Fred VanVleet ( Toronto Raptors) (1/1) | Ja Morant (Memphis Grizzlies) (2/2) | [103] |
January 10β16 | Darius Garland (Cleveland Cavaliers) (1/1) | Devin Booker (Phoenix Suns) (2/3) | [104] |
January 17β23 | Trae Young (Atlanta Hawks) (2/3) | Nikola JokiΔ ( Denver Nuggets) (1/2) | [105] |
January 24β30 | Joel Embiid ( Philadelphia 76ers) (1/2) | Chris Paul (Phoenix Suns) (1/1) | [106] |
January 31 β February 6 | Pascal Siakam (Toronto Raptors) (1/1) | Brandon Ingram ( New Orleans Pelicans) (1/1) | [107] |
February 7β13 | DeMar DeRozan (Chicago Bulls) (3/3) | Luka DonΔiΔ ( Dallas Mavericks) (1/3) | [108] |
February 28 β March 6 | Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics) (2/4) | Karl-Anthony Towns (Minnesota Timberwolves) (2/3) | [109] |
March 7β13 | Kevin Durant (Brooklyn Nets) (2/2) | Luka DonΔiΔ (Dallas Mavericks) (2/3) | [110] |
March 14β20 | Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics) (3/4) | Karl-Anthony Towns (Minnesota Timberwolves) (3/3) | [111] |
March 21β27 | Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics) (4/4) | Devin Booker (Phoenix Suns) (3/3) | [112] |
March 28 β April 3 | Trae Young (Atlanta Hawks) (3/3) | Nikola JokiΔ (Denver Nuggets) (2/2) | [113] |
April 4β10 | Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers) (2/2) | Luka DonΔiΔ (Dallas Mavericks) (3/3) | [114] |
The following players were named the Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Month.
Month | Eastern Conference | Western Conference | Ref |
---|---|---|---|
October/November | Kevin Durant ( Brooklyn Nets) (1/1) | Stephen Curry ( Golden State Warriors) (1/1) | [115] |
December | Joel Embiid ( Philadelphia 76ers) (1/2) | Donovan Mitchell ( Utah Jazz) (1/1) | [116] |
January | Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers) (2/2) | Nikola JokiΔ ( Denver Nuggets) (1/2) | [117] |
February | DeMar DeRozan ( Chicago Bulls) (1/1) | Luka DonΔiΔ ( Dallas Mavericks) (1/1) | [118] |
March/April | Giannis Antetokounmpo ( Milwaukee Bucks) (1/1) | Nikola JokiΔ (Denver Nuggets) (2/2) | [119] |
The following players were named the Eastern and Western Conference Rookies of the Month.
Month | Eastern Conference | Western Conference | Ref |
---|---|---|---|
October/November | Evan Mobley ( Cleveland Cavaliers) (1/1) | Josh Giddey ( Oklahoma City Thunder) (1/4) | [120] |
December | Franz Wagner ( Orlando Magic) (1/1) | Josh Giddey (Oklahoma City Thunder) (2/4) | [121] |
January | Cade Cunningham ( Detroit Pistons) (1/1) | Josh Giddey (Oklahoma City Thunder) (3/4) | [122] |
February | Scottie Barnes ( Toronto Raptors) (1/2) | Josh Giddey (Oklahoma City Thunder) (4/4) | [123] |
March/April | Scottie Barnes (Toronto Raptors) (2/2) | Jalen Green ( Houston Rockets) (1/1) | [124] |
The following coaches were named the Eastern and Western Conference Coaches of the Month.
Month | Eastern Conference | Western Conference | Ref |
---|---|---|---|
October/November | Billy Donovan ( Chicago Bulls) (1/1) | Monty Williams ( Phoenix Suns) (1/2) | [125] |
December | Erik Spoelstra ( Miami Heat) (1/1) | Taylor Jenkins ( Memphis Grizzlies) (1/1) | [126] |
January | J. B. Bickerstaff ( Cleveland Cavaliers) (1/1) | Monty Williams (Phoenix Suns) (2/2) | [127] |
February | Ime Udoka ( Boston Celtics) (1/2) | Quin Snyder ( Utah Jazz) (1/1) | [128] |
March/April | Ime Udoka (Boston Celtics) (2/2) | Jason Kidd ( Dallas Mavericks) (1/1) | [129] |
This is the sixth year of a nine-year deal with ABC, ESPN, TNT, and NBA TV. [137] Beginning with this season, TNT moved its marquee Thursday doubleheaders to Tuesday nights starting with the season opener. The network will continue to air Thursday night doubleheaders, but only during opening week and beginning in January to avoid competing with Thursday Night Football. TNT aired a doubleheader on Martin Luther King Jr. Day (January 17) and the final day of the regular season (April 10). [138]
ABC began its NBA Saturday Primetime early with a special game airing on December 11.
On February 9, 2022, the WarriorsβJazz matchup televised on ESPN was the first in the network's history to have an all women production team. Beth Mowins was the play-by-play commentator, with Doris Burke as analyst and Lisa Salters on the sideline; in addition, 33 other women handled production roles in Salt Lake City and in the ESPN headquarters in Bristol, Connecticut. [139]
The Portland Trail Blazers signed a broadcasting deal with Root Sports Northwest, replacing NBC Sports Northwest as the team's game broadcasters. [140]
In Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals, ESPN's lead play-by-play Mike Breen was out due to COVID-19 protocols, which resulted to Mark Jones replacing Breen on play-by-play. In Game 1 of the 2022 NBA Finals, analyst Jeff Van Gundy was also out for the same reason, leaving Jones, Mark Jackson, and sideline reporter Lisa Salters; they were together the first all-African-American broadcast team for an NBA Finals game. [141] Van Gundy returned in Game 2, while Breen followed suit in Game 3. [142]
It was the 1,332nd career victory for Spurs coach Gregg Popovich, tying him with Lenny Wilkens for second place in NBA history ... .
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