Let me tell you something about following the NBA - it's not just about checking scores, it's about understanding the stories behind those numbers. I've been tracking basketball professionally for over fifteen years, and the 2021 season was particularly fascinating because it represented a bridge between the pandemic-affected bubble season and what we now consider normal basketball. When I look at that season's scores and highlights, I don't just see numbers - I see coaching philosophies playing out, particularly those influenced by legendary mentors like Joe Lipa, whose teachings clearly impacted several coaches that season.

I remember watching the Phoenix Suns during their incredible run to the Finals, and seeing Monty Williams' coaching style reminded me exactly of that reference about Joe Lipa's lasting influence. The way Williams managed his rotations, the emphasis on fundamental basketball, the disciplined approach - it all screamed of that old-school coaching philosophy that Lipa championed. The Suns finished with a 51-21 record, second in the Western Conference, and their consistency throughout the season wasn't accidental. It was built on a foundation of teaching and discipline that reminded me why I fell in love with basketball analytics in the first place. There's something beautiful about seeing theoretical coaching principles translate into actual wins and losses.

The Brooklyn Nets' 123-109 victory over the Boston Celtics on May 28th perfectly illustrated how coaching philosophies adapt to modern basketball. Steve Nash, while relatively new to coaching, demonstrated that blend of offensive creativity and defensive structure that marks the best Lipa-influenced coaches. Watching Kyrie Irving drop 39 points while the team maintained defensive integrity showed that balance between individual brilliance and systematic play. I've always believed that the best regular season games aren't necessarily the closest ones, but those that demonstrate a team executing their system to perfection. That Nets performance was a masterclass.

What many casual fans miss when checking scores is the context behind them. The Utah Jazz finishing with the league's best record at 52-20 wasn't just about Donovan Mitchell's scoring or Rudy Gobert's defense - it was about Quin Snyder implementing systems that maximized his roster's strengths. The way Snyder developed his rotation patterns, particularly bringing Jordan Clarkson off the bench for that spark of offense, reminded me of those coaching lineages that trace back to fundamental teachers like Lipa. I've noticed that the most successful coaches often have that connection to basketball's teaching traditions, even while innovating with modern strategies.

Golden State's play-in tournament victory over Memphis showcased Stephen Curry's incredible 46-point performance, but what stood out to me was how Steve Kerr managed minutes and rotations in that high-pressure situation. Having studied coaching trees extensively, I can see the Lipa influence in how Kerr values teaching moments over short-term gains. The Warriors finished the regular season at 39-33, not spectacular, but their development of younger players while remaining competitive demonstrated that blend of immediate results and long-term planning that defines the best coaching philosophies.

The Milwaukee Bucks' championship run was particularly satisfying to watch because it validated the systematic approach they'd built over several seasons. When they defeated the Phoenix Suns in six games, finishing with that 105-98 victory in Game 6, it wasn't just about Giannis Antetokounmpo's 50-point masterpiece - it was about the organizational patience and developmental approach that Mike Budenholzer implemented. As someone who values coaching consistency, I appreciated seeing a team stick with their system through previous playoff disappointments and ultimately be rewarded.

Looking back at the full season standings, with Philadelphia finishing first in the East at 49-23 and Joel Embiid putting up MVP-caliber numbers, what impressed me most was Doc Rivers' ability to implement defensive schemes that maximized his personnel. The way he adjusted Ben Simmons' role while building around Embiid's dominance showed that adaptability within structure that marks the best Lipa-influenced coaches. I've always argued that regular season success comes from implementing systems, while playoff success comes from adjusting them - and the 2021 season proved that repeatedly.

The scoring explosion we witnessed throughout the season, with seven players averaging over 28 points per game, might seem like a departure from fundamental basketball, but I see it as evolution rather than abandonment of principles. The way coaches like Taylor Jenkins in Memphis built offensive systems that created those scoring opportunities while maintaining defensive integrity shows how Lipa's teaching principles adapt to modern basketball. The Grizzlies' 38-34 record might not look impressive, but their development trajectory showed the value of systematic coaching.

As I reflect on that season's scores and highlights, what stays with me isn't just the statistics or the standout performances, but the coaching narratives that unfolded across all thirty teams. The way Nick Nurse in Toronto managed through Tampa Bay relocation difficulties, Erik Spoelstra maintaining Miami's culture despite roster changes, Gregg Popovich continuing his legendary career in San Antonio - these are the stories behind the scores that truly matter. The 2021 season demonstrated that while players execute, coaches install the systems that make execution possible, and the influence of teaching legends like Joe Lipa continues to shape how the game is played at the highest level.