If you love the high-paced action of NBA games, October must have been an exciting month for you. The 2021 NBA preseason showcased an exciting lineup of games, demonstrating early forms and potential of the 30 teams gearing up for the new season. Starting on October 3rd and wrapping up on October 15th, it’s a compact schedule stuffed with thrilling matchups and plenty of plays to analyze. The schedule featured a total of 71 games, and if you're a die-hard fan, that means you had the opportunity to watch a different game every day!
Now, let's not forget that when you have nearly a month of back-to-back games, it demands serious planning from the teams. Coaches had to think about player rotations, game strategy, and even travel logistics. Each team aims to build momentum and get their rhythm right before the regular season kicks off. For example, the defending champions, Milwaukee Bucks, entered the preseason with a specific focus on integrating new players like Grayson Allen into their core lineup. Meanwhile, other teams, such as the Golden State Warriors, used this period to ease Klay Thompson back into basketball action after a long injury layoff. According to Steven Karr from SB Nation, the Warriors managed to look very competitive even without their full roster playing significant minutes.
October 5th saw some memorable moments as well. The Miami Heat took on the Atlanta Hawks in a game where the Heat's scoring efficiency stood out. They shot an impressive 47.5% from the field, benefiting from Kyle Lowry's floor management and Tyler Herro's sharpshooting. On the East Coast, the New York Knicks played against the Indiana Pacers. Julius Randle, the Knicks’ star player, showed everyone why he was an All-Star last season, dominating the boards and dishing out assists with great efficiency. The Knicks shot 40% from beyond the arc, a positive sign for fans hoping for improved long-range shooting this season.
And what about the rookies? Well, this preseason offered a glimpse into the promising futures of several young talents. Jalen Green of the Houston Rockets, the 2nd overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, had some stellar performances. There was a game against the Washington Wizards where Green scored 25 points, providing a significant boost for a Rockets team that struggled last season. Over in Detroit, Cade Cunningham, the 1st overall pick, displayed his well-rounded game to excite Pistons fans. Analysts like Jonathan Wasserman from Bleacher Report are already predicting that Cunningham could quickly become the cornerstone of his franchise.
A rather interesting aspect of the preseason involves how teams treat these games. Some franchises, like the Brooklyn Nets, used these matchups as an opportunity to manage the workload of their star players. Kevin Durant and James Harden saw limited minutes as Steve Nash aimed to keep them fresh and healthy for the games that matter the most. However, none of these tactics overshadowed the fact that the preseason sets the stage for intense competition and provides fans with an exhilarating front-row seat to emerging talents and established stars fine-tuning their skills.
One game that caught my eye was the October 8th showdown between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors. This game was not just another preseason outing but rather a preview of what could be an essential rivalry in the Western Conference. The Warriors edged out a win against the Lakers, with Stephen Curry scoring 30 points, showcasing his unyielding form. LeBron James and Anthony Davis could not do much to tilt the game in favor of the Lakers, as they seemed a bit rusty still. But you have to remember, the Lakers were experimenting with new additions like Russell Westbrook, who will need some time to gel with the existing squad. Watching a three-time NBA champion figure things out on the court is always captivating.
If you're searching for the full list of games, dates, and times, you can find it on nba preseason schedule 2021. Teams honed their craft, fans got their fill of basketball, and analysts had plenty to discuss. The preseason stands as a pivotal checkpoint for every team's journey through an NBA season, setting the stage for the 2021-2022 season's intense drama and competition. And now, as the regular season gets on its way, the foundations laid during the preseason will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the narratives of the NBA's exciting future.