As I sit here analyzing the 2021 NBA schedule, I can't help but reflect on how crucial those final moments of a tied game truly are. The tension, the strategic decisions - it reminds me of that brilliant timeout moment Coach Tim Cone described when discussing Gilas Pilipinas' play. He specifically mentioned designing the final 11-second play for RJ, saying "It was designated for RJ to make the decision. We wanted to get the ball into RJ's hands and then put him in a pick and roll situation with Justin (Brownlee)." That level of strategic planning is exactly what makes the NBA's key matchups so compelling to watch.
Looking at the 2021-22 NBA calendar, I've identified several must-watch games that could feature similar clutch scenarios. The season kicks off on October 19th with a fantastic double-header - the Nets visiting the Bucks in what promises to be an Eastern Conference finals preview, followed by the Warriors facing the Lakers. Personally, I'm particularly excited about the Christmas Day lineup, which features five incredible matchups including the Nets versus the Lakers. That's going to be appointment television in my household. The scheduling team did an outstanding job creating these marquee matchups early in the season, giving fans like us plenty to look forward to right from the start.
What really stands out to me this season is the return of the full 82-game schedule after the shortened previous season. The league has packed the calendar with intriguing storylines - from superteam matchups to rising stars looking to make their mark. I've circled February 10th on my calendar specifically because that's when we get the first Celtics-76ers matchup of the season. As someone who's followed the league for over 15 years, I can tell you that rivalry games like these often produce the most dramatic finishes, similar to that Gilas Pilipinas game Cone described. The strategic elements he emphasized - putting the ball in your best player's hands and creating advantageous situations - are exactly what we'll see coaches implementing during these crucial regular season matchups.
The second half of the season brings even more excitement with the play-in tournament scheduled for April 12-15, followed by the playoffs beginning on April 16th. I'm predicting we'll see at least 12 games decided by last-second shots similar to the scenario Cone masterfully engineered. The beauty of the NBA schedule lies in how each game builds toward something greater - whether it's playoff positioning, individual accolades, or simply establishing team identity. From my perspective, the March 3rd matchup between the Suns and Mavericks could be particularly telling for Western Conference standings.
As we approach the business end of the season, every possession becomes magnified, every timeout becomes crucial, and every coaching decision gets scrutinized. That's what makes studying the schedule so valuable - it helps us identify which games might feature those unforgettable moments where coaches draw up brilliant plays and players execute under pressure. The 2021 NBA schedule offers plenty of opportunities for such drama, and I for one can't wait to see which teams rise to the occasion when the game is on the line.
