When I reflect on the 2016 NBA Playoffs, a few moments stand out as absolute shockers. Take, for instance, the Oklahoma City Thunder’s performance against the San Antonio Spurs in the semifinals. The Thunder dismantled the Spurs, who had finished the regular season with a 67-15 record, giving them one of the best records in history. The Spurs were second only to the Golden State Warriors’ 73-9 record, and yet, they lost to the Thunder in six games. Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant combined for an astronomical number of points throughout the series, showcasing what a dynamic duo they were. Westbrook himself nearly averaged a triple-double with 26 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 assists per game. His speed and agility on the court were something to behold.
An even bigger shock came during the Western Conference Finals when the Thunder were up 3-1 against the Warriors. Many analysts couldn’t predict the colossal collapse that awaited them. No one expected the Warriors to come back from a 3-1 deficit, but Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green dug deep. Thompson saved the Warriors’ season with an NBA record 11 three-pointers in Game 6, a pivotal performance that changed the course of the series. Despite the big lead, the Thunder couldn’t close it out, and the Warriors clinched the series in seven games. Interesting fact: Teams leading 3-1 have ended up winning the series more than 95% of the time, making the Thunder’s collapse a statistical anomaly.
One can’t overlook the Cleveland Cavaliers’ dramatic journey either. The Cavaliers faced the Warriors in the Finals and found themselves down 3-1. History was against them since no team had ever come back from a 3-1 deficit in the NBA Finals. But LeBron James and Kyrie Irving were on a mission. LeBron averaged 29.7 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 8.9 assists during the Finals. His performance in Game 5 was nothing short of legendary with a 41-point outing, complemented by Irving who also scored 41 points. Their dynamic play, especially LeBron’s iconic block on Andre Iguodala in Game 7, shifted the momentum. With a vital three-pointer by Irving, the Cavaliers won Game 7 by a margin of just four points (93-89), claiming their first championship in franchise history. To bring more context, that Game 7 was watched by 31 million viewers, making it the most viewed NBA Finals game since the 1998 NBA Finals.
The Toronto Raptors also created waves in the 2016 NBA Playoffs. They reached the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in franchise history. Led by Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan, they defeated the Miami Heat and Indiana Pacers in seven-game series to get there. The Raptors pushed the Cavaliers to six games before eventually losing, but their gritty performances won them a lot of respect. A stat that stands out is Lowry averaging 21.2 points and 6.7 assists per game during the playoffs, validating his All-Star status.
Let’s not forget about the Dallas Mavericks upsetting the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 2 of their first-round series. Dirk Nowitzki, the 37-year-old veteran, showed he still had some gas left in the tank, scoring 17 points in that game. This victory was significant because the Thunder were heavily favored and that win showcased that anything can happen in the playoffs. Though the Mavericks eventually lost the series in five games, that single upset generated a lot of buzz among fans and analysts alike.
You can’t discuss surprises without mentioning injuries that had a substantial impact. Notably, Stephen Curry’s knee injury during the first round against the Houston Rockets. Curry missed several games, and although the Warriors managed to advance, his absence was felt. His return in Game 4 against the Portland Trail Blazers, where he scored 40 points and broke the record for most points in an overtime period (17), was a clear statement that he was still a force to be reckoned with. That game alone emphasized his tremendous impact on the sport and the franchise.
Shocking as it was, the extraordinary plays, the unforeseen team performances, and the moments that defied all odds made the 2016 NBA Playoffs one of the most unforgettable seasons in recent memory for basketball enthusiasts. To relive all these incredible moments, one could visit the 2016 nba playoffs for a detailed recount.