I still remember the excitement building up as the 2014 NBA playoffs approached, that unique energy that only postseason basketball can generate. This season was particularly special because 26 teams would participate in the first division, split into two conferences - a structure that created some fascinating playoff scenarios right from the start. Having followed the NBA for over fifteen years, I've always found the Western Conference matchups particularly compelling, and 2014 didn't disappoint in that regard.
The Western Conference bracket immediately caught my attention with that thrilling first-round series between the Clippers and Warriors. As someone who's always appreciated well-executed basketball, watching Chris Paul essentially put the team on his back in Game 7 was absolutely magnificent. He finished with 22 points and 14 assists if I recall correctly, though my memory might be slightly off on the exact numbers. Meanwhile, the Spurs were quietly dismantling the Mavericks in what appeared to be a more straightforward series, though that Game 7 went down to the wire with the Spurs winning by just 6 points. What many didn't realize at the time was how dominant San Antonio would become as the playoffs progressed - their ball movement was simply on another level.
Over in the Eastern Conference, things played out more predictably but with no less drama. I've always had a soft spot for underdog stories, so watching Paul George lead the Pacers through those early rounds was particularly satisfying. Their second-round series against Washington went six games, with Roy Hibbert's inconsistent performances becoming a major talking point among analysts. Meanwhile, Miami's path seemed almost effortless as they swept Charlotte in the first round - though as a basketball purist, I must admit I found their dominance somewhat less entertaining than the more competitive series.
The conference finals were where the true drama unfolded. Oklahoma City's series against San Antonio was basketball at its absolute finest - that back-and-forth Game 6 where the Thunder nearly forced a Game 7 had me on the edge of my seat. Russell Westbrook's 40-point performance in Game 4 remains one of the most explosive individual efforts I've witnessed in playoff history. Meanwhile, Miami handled Indiana relatively comfortably in six games, setting up what would become one of the most memorable NBA Finals in recent memory.
Looking back, the 2014 playoffs perfectly demonstrated why I love basketball - the strategic adjustments, individual brilliance, and unexpected heroes all combined to create an unforgettable postseason. While I personally would have loved to see a more competitive Finals, San Antonio's beautiful team basketball was something to behold. Their victory in five games, capped by that dominant Game 5 performance where they shot over 52% from the field, served as a perfect ending to a tournament that had everything - drama, upsets, and ultimately, a deserving champion playing the game the right way.