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In 2021, the NBA injury landscape brought a mixed bag of emotions for basketball fans, teams, and players alike. I remember scrolling through arena plus and seeing updates that no fan wants to wake up to. One of the significant injuries that hit the news hardest was the torn ACL of the rising star Jamal Murray of the Denver Nuggets. Seeing those headlines, I couldn’t help but feel a wave of sympathy for him. His stats were exceptional before the injury - averaging 21.2 points, 4.8 assists, and 4 rebounds per game. Those numbers reflected how instrumental he was to the Nuggets' playoff aspirations.
Another notable injury was to Kawhi Leonard of the LA Clippers, who tore his ACL during the playoff run. It struck me deeply how one player’s misfortune could potentially alter the destiny of an entire team. Kawhi was a beast on the court, with a player efficiency rating (PER) of 27.6 during the regular season, which speaks volumes. Many believed the Clippers could have had a different playoff outcome if not for his injury. Speaking of efficiency, Anthony Davis of the Lakers also had a tough year with numerous injuries, including a strained calf that kept him off the court for over two months. Considering LeBron James also dealt with a high ankle sprain, you could say it was a season of struggles for the Lakers.
What really got me was the frequency of injuries in the shortened 2020-2021 NBA season. With a condensed schedule of just 72 games due to the pandemic, it seemed like players were getting hurt left and right. The NBA saw a 20% increase in injuries that caused players to miss games compared to the regular 82-game season. This uptick had many experts and fans speculating on the cause. Was it the lack of proper rest periods, the intense pace, or simply bad luck? While no definitive answers exist, the correlation between the tight schedule and injuries couldn't be ignored.
Some young players also faced tough breaks. Take Trae Young of the Atlanta Hawks, for example. After an incredible performance leading into the playoffs, Young suffered a bone bruise in his right foot during the Eastern Conference Finals. Despite missing crucial games, the Hawks put up a valiant fight, but you have to wonder how different the series might have turned out if he had been fully healthy. The drama reminded me of Derrick Rose's injuries earlier in his career, which similarly cast shadows of 'what ifs.'
A sad storyline unfolded for the Boston Celtics. Jaylen Brown had to sit out the rest of the season after tearing a ligament in his wrist. He was having the best season of his career, averaging 24.7 points and 3.4 assists per game, which left fans and analysts pondering over what the Celtics could have achieved with him in the lineup. Another notable case was the Brooklyn Nets’ situation. James Harden, Kyrie Irving, and Kevin Durant made headlines all season, but injuries plagued them at crucial moments. Harden dealt with hamstring issues, Irving’s season was cut short due to an ankle injury, and Durant had lingering concerns over his Achilles.
When reflecting on these injuries, I ponder the impact on the league viewership and team strategies. According to sports analysts, the injury woes definitely affected the competitiveness and entertainment value. For example, the Nets were favorites to win it all, and with their stars’ injuries, their chances significantly dwindled. While injuries are a part of sports, the seemingly higher rate this season has many questioning the schedule's impact and the possible need for changes in future seasons to protect players. Could these injuries have been mitigated with a less grueling schedule? While there’s no crystal-clear answer, most agree that player health should be prioritized.
And not to forget, one of the most heartbreaking injuries that season was to Klay Thompson. He was set to make a return after missing the entire previous season, only to tear his Achilles during a workout. The anticipation for his comeback was immense among Warriors fans and basketball enthusiasts. His 3-point shooting prowess and defensive skills were sorely missed. With a career average of 41.9% from beyond the arc, his absence was felt deeply. I wonder how Golden State would have fared with Thompson back in their lineup.
As the season ended and the off-season began, the focus shifted to recovery and rehabilitation. Players like Jamal Murray, Kawhi Leonard, and Klay Thompson began their long journeys back to full health. The medical teams and physiotherapists undoubtedly had their work cut out for them. The advancements in sports science and medicine provide hope, but the road to recovery is always challenging and demanding. The NBA world watches closely, anticipating the return of their favorite stars, fully aware of the relentless efforts these athletes put into coming back stronger than ever.
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