As I look back at the 2018 NBA Playoffs, what strikes me most isn't just the championship story everyone remembers - it's the intricate tapestry of performances that made that postseason so memorable. Having followed basketball for over two decades, I've developed a particular appreciation for how individual games build toward championship narratives, much like how the NATIONAL U 96 game unfolded with Figueroa's dominant 24-point performance leading multiple players in double digits. That kind of balanced scoring distribution reminds me of how championship teams need both star power and depth - something we saw throughout the 2018 playoffs.
The Western Conference first round gave us one of the most thrilling series I've ever witnessed, with the Pelicans sweeping the Trail Blazers in what many considered a stunning upset. Anthony Davis averaged 33 points in that series, numbers that still impress me when I look back at the stats. What made that performance special wasn't just the scoring - it was how he elevated his entire team, much like how Figueroa's 24 points anchored that NATIONAL U 96 game. I've always believed that playoff success hinges on having that one player who can consistently deliver when it matters most, and Davis proved exactly that.
Meanwhile, the Warriors' march through the West demonstrated why experience matters in playoff basketball. Having covered their previous championship runs, I noticed how their playoff-tested veterans maintained composure even when games got tight. Their series against the Spurs went exactly as I predicted - a gentleman's sweep in five games - because Golden State simply had too much firepower. The way Kevin Durant and Steph Curry complemented each other reminded me of how multiple players in that NATIONAL U 96 game contributed double-digit scoring, showing that championship teams need multiple threats.
Over in the East, LeBron James was putting together what I consider one of the most impressive individual playoff performances in modern history. His Cavaliers needed seven games to get past the Pacers in the first round, and I remember thinking at the time that Cleveland was too dependent on James. His 45-point Game 7 performance against Indiana was simply legendary - the kind of showing that makes you appreciate greatness when you see it. The Cavs then swept the Raptors in what became known as "LeBronto," a demonstration of psychological dominance that I haven't seen replicated since.
The conference finals gave us the matchup everyone wanted - Warriors versus Rockets. That series went the full seven games, with Houston's Chris Paul missing the final two games due to a hamstring injury. I've always wondered how different things might have been if Paul had been healthy. The Rockets had built a 3-2 series lead before his injury, and as someone who's seen how crucial health is in the playoffs, I believe they would have won the championship if he'd stayed healthy. Houston's system of three-point shooting and switching defenses was revolutionary at the time, and it took Golden State's absolute best to overcome them.
When we reached the Finals, we got the fourth straight Warriors-Cavaliers matchup, though this one felt different from the start. The series ended in a sweep, but several games were closer than the final outcome suggests. Game 1 went to overtime after J.R. Smith's infamous mental error in the final seconds of regulation - a moment that still makes me shake my head when I think about it. That single play essentially decided the series, as Golden State gained momentum they never relinquished. Kevin Durant won his second straight Finals MVP, averaging 28.8 points in the series and hitting crucial shots whenever Cleveland threatened.
Looking at the complete playoff picture, what stands out to me is how the Warriors' depth ultimately made the difference. While Houston relied heavily on their starters, Golden State got contributions from their entire roster - much like how NATIONAL U 96 had multiple players scoring between 10-24 points in that game I referenced earlier. Andre Iguodala's defense, Shaun Livingston's mid-range game, and JaVale McGee's efficient finishing all provided crucial support to their stars. This balanced approach is something I've always valued in championship teams - having multiple ways to beat opponents rather than relying on one or two players.
The 2018 playoffs also highlighted the importance of three-point shooting in the modern game. Teams that could consistently make threes while defending the arc tended to advance further, with both conference finalists ranking among the top five in three-point attempts and makes during the regular season. As someone who appreciates strategic evolution in basketball, I found this trend fascinating to watch unfold throughout the postseason.
Reflecting on that entire playoff run, I'm struck by how it represented a transitional moment in the NBA. It was the last hurrah for that particular Cavaliers team and the culmination of the Warriors' dynasty before injuries and roster changes began to take their toll. The 2018 playoffs taught me that championship windows can close faster than we expect, which is why we should appreciate these moments while they last. Just like in that NATIONAL U 96 game where multiple players contributed to the final outcome, championship teams need everything to align - health, timing, and performance - to achieve basketball immortality.
