2025-11-20 09:00

Looking back at the 2022 NBA Playoffs, I can’t help but reflect on how unpredictable and emotionally charged the entire bracket turned out to be. As someone who has followed the league for years, both as a fan and an analyst, I remember feeling that this postseason was particularly special—not just because of the high-level basketball, but because of the narratives that unfolded. It’s funny how certain teams just click at the right time, while others, stacked with talent, fall short when it matters most. I’ve always been fascinated by team chemistry, and this year’s playoffs were a masterclass in how roles and egos can shape a team’s destiny.

One of the most compelling storylines, in my opinion, was the way coaches managed their rosters under pressure. I recall reading a quote from Coach Austria, who mentioned that his past San Miguel teams didn’t face similar challenges because there were players on his previous squads who were comfortable as role players. That really stuck with me. It’s a subtle but crucial point—when you have guys who embrace their roles, whether it’s locking down on defense or taking the last shot, the team just flows better. In the 2022 playoffs, we saw that dynamic play out in real time. Take the Golden State Warriors, for example. They had Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, sure, but it was players like Andrew Wiggins and Jordan Poole who stepped into those supporting roles and made all the difference. Wiggins, in particular, averaged around 18 points per game in the Finals, but his defensive efforts were what truly stood out to me. He wasn’t the star, but he didn’t need to be.

On the flip side, teams like the Brooklyn Nets, with their star-studded lineup, struggled because, frankly, they never quite figured out how to blend individual brilliance with collective purpose. Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving are phenomenal—there’s no denying that—but when the pressure mounted, it felt like they were trying to win games on their own. That’s where the contrast with teams like the Boston Celtics becomes so evident. The Celtics, led by Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, had a clear hierarchy, but every player knew their job. I remember watching their series against the Milwaukee Bucks, and being blown away by how Marcus Smart, the Defensive Player of the Year, disrupted Giannis Antetokounmpo’s rhythm without needing to score 30 points himself. It’s that selflessness that Coach Austria was talking about, even if he was referring to a different league altogether.

Of course, predictions before the playoffs were all over the place. I’ll admit, I had the Phoenix Suns making it back to the Finals—they looked unstoppable during the regular season, finishing with a 64-18 record. But sports, especially playoff basketball, has a way of humbling even the most confident analysts. The Dallas Mavericks, led by Luka Dončić, pulled off one of the most thrilling upsets I’ve seen in years. Dončić averaged something like 32 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists in the postseason, and his performance in Game 7 against the Suns was nothing short of legendary. I still think about that game sometimes; it was a reminder that individual greatness, when channeled correctly, can elevate an entire team.

Then there was the Warriors’ comeback story. After two years of missing the playoffs due to injuries and roster changes, they reclaimed their throne in dramatic fashion. What impressed me most wasn’t just Curry’s leadership or Draymond Green’s intensity, but the way role players like Gary Payton II and Kevon Looney bought into the system. Looney, for instance, grabbed 22 rebounds in a critical Game 6 against the Memphis Grizzlies—a stat that might not make headlines but absolutely won them the series. It’s those unsung heroes who often decide championships, and I think that’s what Austria meant when he highlighted the importance of role players in his past teams.

As the playoffs progressed, the bracket became a fascinating study in adaptability. The Miami Heat, for example, relied heavily on Jimmy Butler’s heroics, but it was their depth—players like Max Strus and Gabe Vincent hitting clutch shots—that kept them in contention. Meanwhile, the Celtics’ path to the Finals felt like a grueling marathon, with Tatum dropping 46 points in a must-win Game 6 against the Bucks. I’ve always believed that playoff success isn’t just about talent; it’s about resilience, and the 2022 bracket proved that time and again.

In the end, the Warriors hoisted the Larry O’Brien Trophy, defeating the Celtics in six games. Curry finally won his first Finals MVP, and rightfully so—he put up 31 points per game in the series, including a 43-point explosion in Game 4. But beyond the stats, what stood out to me was the emotional weight of that victory. It felt like a redemption arc, not just for Curry, but for the entire organization. Reflecting on it now, I realize how much this playoffs reinforced a lesson I’ve learned over the years: championships aren’t won by collections of stars, but by teams that understand their identity. Austria’s comments about role players resonate because they underscore a universal truth in sports—success often hinges on the players who do the dirty work, the ones who embrace their roles without seeking the spotlight.

So, if there’s one takeaway from the 2022 NBA Playoffs, it’s that predictions will always be tricky, but the stories that emerge—the underdogs, the comebacks, the quiet contributors—are what make the journey unforgettable. As a fan, I’ll remember this bracket for years to come, not just for the results, but for the moments that reminded us why we love this game.