I'm always excited when the NBA rolls around, and the 2021 preseason had some notable matchups that got everyone talking. The Los Angeles Lakers faced the Brooklyn Nets on October 3rd, and despite the big names on both rosters, many key players sat out as it was just the beginning of the preseason. LeBron James and Anthony Davis didn't play, while the Nets were missing Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden. The game ended with the Nets taking it 123-97. Watching this game, it felt like both teams were just warming up and not showing all their cards yet.
On October 4th, the Miami Heat played against the Atlanta Hawks. I remember this one because the Heat showed off some promising new talents alongside their veterans. Tyler Herro, who had an explosive night, scored 26 points, and the Heat won 125-99. John Collins and Trae Young from the Hawks were doing their thing too, but Herro and the Heat were just too much that night. These preseason games don’t count towards the regular season, yet they give us an early look at team chemistry and potential standout players.
Then on October 5th, the Golden State Warriors played the Portland Trail Blazers. Stephen Curry, one of the best shooters in the history of the NBA, was on fire, scoring 28 points in just 24 minutes. The Warriors won that game 121-107. Most impressive was how Curry seemed to be in mid-season form already. Watching him shoot those threes, you could sense how prepared the Warriors were to come back strong this season after some disappointing recent campaigns marred by injuries and setbacks.
Another interesting matchup was on October 10th, between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Oklahoma City Thunder. Giannis Antetokounmpo, the reigning Finals MVP, played just 17 minutes but was still a force on the court. The Bucks won 130-110, and the Thunder’s young roster showed some flashes of brilliance but couldn’t keep up with the experience and talent of the Bucks. These games show us a glimpse of how teams are preparing their strategies and how new players are fitting into their systems.
Preseason games might not always feature the best players for the full duration, but they still give us insights. I followed the Chicago Bulls closely, especially when they played the Cleveland Cavaliers on October 5th. Zach LaVine, a key player for the Bulls, put on a show. He scored 25 points in just 24 minutes, leading the Bulls to a 131-95 victory. The Cavaliers had some young guns on the court, but LaVine’s performance highlighted how all the offseason workouts had paid off for him.
On October 8th, the Houston Rockets faced the Toronto Raptors, and that was another game I can’t forget. Jalen Green, the No. 2 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, showed why he’s been so highly regarded. Scoring 20 points with solid efficiency, it became clear that the Rockets had made the right pick. The Raptors had their moments too, but with many of their stars not playing significant minutes, it was more about development and seeing how new players adapted. Houston took the game 116-100.
I also kept an eye on the October 6th game, where the Minnesota Timberwolves matched up against the Denver Nuggets. Karl-Anthony Towns looked dominant, scoring 16 points and grabbing 8 rebounds within limited playtime. The Timberwolves ended up winning 114-112, but the Nuggets put up a strong fight. Nikola Jokić, the league MVP, didn't play much, but Denver's depth was on display. It's always fun to see how well-rounded teams like the Nuggets manage their young talent.
Speaking of managing talent, the New York Knicks had a notable game against the Indiana Pacers on October 5th. They won 125-104, and no doubt, the Knicks’ fans were ecstatic. Julius Randle and RJ Barrett played well but kept their minutes limited, allowing the Knicks’ bench to shine. The Pacers missed some key players, but this game gave them a chance to evaluate their new roster additions. If you’re a basketball fan like me, watching these early games makes you appreciate the depth and planning each franchise puts into their development.
One of the final games I watched was on October 15th, where the Dallas Mavericks played the Milwaukee Bucks again. Luka Dončić, one of the brightest young stars in the league, was spectacular as usual. He played just under 30 minutes, scored 27 points, and led the Mavericks to a 114-103 victory. The Bucks rested Antetokounmpo, which made sense as they aimed to preserve him for the regular season grind. Watching Luka operate on the court, you could tell he was ready to lead his team into a deep playoff run this year.
It's honestly thrilling to follow these preseason matchups, gauging how teams are shaping up for the regular season. If you're as hooked on basketball as I am, you know the value of these early glimpses. For the full schedule, you can check it nba preseason schedule 2021. The preseason might not count for the record books, but it’s where the seeds for the regular season are sown.