Following the nba injury update 2021, team lineups saw significant changes, impacting performance and strategies. The Brooklyn Nets, for instance, had to adjust when Kevin Durant missed 23 games due to a hamstring injury. Durant’s absence required the team to depend more on Kyrie Irving and James Harden. The trio—often dubbed as the “Big Three”—originally promised to dominate the season, but circumstances forced them to play just eight games together before March 2021. This limited the opportunity for the team to create the synergy they had hoped for.
Similarly, looking at the Los Angeles Lakers, the absence of Anthony Davis and LeBron James drastically altered the team’s performance. LeBron experienced an ankle sprain that took him off the court for 26 games, his longest injury spell. During this period, the Lakers’ winning percentage dropped from 69.8% to 50%, showing the impact of losing key players. The team’s reliance on LeBron’s ability to captivate and direct plays exposed their vulnerability without his presence.
Jamal Murray’s season-ending ACL tear in April 2021 forced the Denver Nuggets to reconsider their strategy entirely. Murray contributed significantly to the Nuggets, averaging 21.2 points per game. His injury reduced the offensive options available to the team, thrusting Nikola Jokic even more into the spotlight. Despite Jokic’s MVP-caliber performances, the Nuggets struggled to match their previous efficiency, indicative of how essential Murray was to their game plan.
The Golden State Warriors faced ongoing challenges as Klay Thompson remained out for the entire season. His absence due to an Achilles injury, which followed a previous ACL injury, marked another year without one of their primary scoring options. Thompson’s career averages of 19.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.3 assists exemplify his contribution. His injuries have prolonged their rebuilding timeline, leaning more on Stephen Curry to carry the offensive load.
Miami Heat also felt the sting of an injury-plagued season, with Jimmy Butler missing 20 games due to various ailments. Butler’s leadership and ability to influence both ends of the floor suffered, causing the Heat to fall short of their previous season’s finals run. When Butler was in the lineup, the Heat’s win percentage hovered around 60%, but it took a steep decline in his absence. Watching the team recalibrate around other players highlighted the critical nature of Butler to the team’s balance and defensive strength.
Injuries across the league altered the landscape in unforeseen ways. The Atlanta Hawks, on the other hand, benefited from decreased competition because of other teams’ injuries. Trae Young shined as a result, averaging 25.3 points and 9.4 assists per game. With competitors like the Celtics and Heat struggling with injuries, the Hawks seized the opportunity to leap forward in the standings, showcasing how they capitalized on the situation.
The Phoenix Suns made a significant push despite Chris Paul’s shoulder injury during the playoffs. Paul maintained his composure and continued to lead, although it was clear his injury impacted his usual playmaking effectiveness. Paul’s seasoned experience allowed him to manage games smartly, contributing to the Suns’ campaign that saw them reach the Finals. His ability to perform under pressure, even when not at peak physical health, demonstrated how leadership could offset the loss of physical prowess to some extent.
With the Boston Celtics, the injury bug bit Jaylen Brown, who missed the closing portion of the season due to wrist surgery. Brown’s 24.7 points per game were sorely missed, and the Celtics faced an uphill battle without his scoring efficiency. The absence reflected in their struggle to maintain an offensive rhythm and consistency, rendering them less threatening than in previous years.
Joel Embiid’s minor meniscus tear tested his resilience during the 76ers’ playoff run. Averaging 28.5 points and 10.6 rebounds during the season, Embiid didn’t let the injury diminish his output drastically. Nonetheless, the physical toll was evident, affecting his mobility and limiting his explosive power, factors crucial to his game. The team’s reliance on his health showcased the thin margin for error when a franchise player is hampered by injuries.
For the Utah Jazz, Donovan Mitchell’s ankle injury towards the season’s end affected their momentum. Mitchell, providing 26.4 points per game, was central to their remarkable performance leading up to the playoffs. His impact on spacing and driving the offense became glaringly apparent in his absence, reflecting how single-player injuries can cascade into larger team inefficiencies.
Finally, the injuries endured by the defending champions Toronto Raptors saw them struggle to find form throughout the season. Pascal Siakam missed 11 games while key players like Fred VanVleet and Kyle Lowry also spent significant time on the sidelines. The frequent line-up changes hindered the Raptors’ ability to build chemistry, leading to subpar results compared to their previous performances.