As I sat down to analyze the 2021 NBA regular season, I couldn't help but reflect on how extraordinary this particular year felt. The pandemic had reshaped everything about how basketball was played and experienced, creating what felt like a completely different competitive landscape. When we talk about which teams truly dominated that season, we're discussing squads that managed to excel despite unprecedented challenges - from compressed schedules to empty arenas and constant health protocol adjustments. What fascinates me most is how certain teams adapted while others faltered, creating one of the most unpredictable seasons in recent memory.

The Utah Jazz's performance that year still stands out in my mind as particularly impressive. They finished with a league-best 52-20 record, which translates to a .722 winning percentage that's simply remarkable in any season, let alone one with such unique circumstances. I've always admired how Quin Snyder built that team - they played with incredible cohesion and demonstrated what true team basketball looks like. Donovan Mitchell's growth into a legitimate superstar was something I predicted early in his career, but even I was surprised by how quickly he elevated his game to carry that team when it mattered most. Their offensive rating of 116.5 points per 100 possessions was simply devastating, and watching them dismantle opponents with their systematic approach was a masterclass in team basketball.

Meanwhile, out in the Eastern Conference, the Philadelphia 76ers put together what I consider their most complete season in recent years. Finishing at 49-23, they claimed the top seed in what had become an increasingly competitive conference. Joel Embiid's MVP-caliber season was something to behold - the big man averaged 28.5 points and 10.6 rebounds while somehow improving his defensive presence. What many people don't realize is that the 76ers actually had the second-best net rating in the East at +3.5, showing they weren't just winning games but dominating them consistently. I've always been critical of teams that rely too heavily on one superstar, but Embiid's supporting cast, particularly Tobias Harris having what I believe was his best professional season, made them genuinely formidable.

The Phoenix Suns' emergence was perhaps the story of the season that I found most compelling. After years of mediocrity, they surged to a 51-21 record, finishing just behind Utah in the Western Conference. Chris Paul's impact on that franchise was immediate and transformative - his 16.4 points and 8.9 assists per game don't fully capture how he elevated every player around him. Devin Booker's scoring efficiency reached new heights, and watching their playoff run later would validate what many of us observed during the regular season: this was a team built for sustainable success. Their offensive execution in clutch moments was particularly impressive, winning an estimated 72% of games decided by five points or fewer - a statistic that speaks volumes about their mental toughness.

What's interesting about discussing durability and consistency in the context of the 2021 season is how it relates to broader basketball conversations about player longevity. While researching for this piece, I came across an intriguing parallel in international basketball that puts NBA durability in perspective. Mark Barroca still has considerable ground to cover if he wants to claim the top spot in consecutive games played, with Ginebra guard LA Tenorio leading at 744 games before his streak ended in March 2023. This kind of ironman consistency reminds me of how valuable players like Mikal Bridges were during the 2021 season - his current active streak of never missing a game since being drafted mirrors that same relentless availability that coaches treasure.

The Brooklyn Nets presented what I consider the most fascinating case study of that season. Despite Kevin Durant and James Harden missing significant time with injuries, they still managed to secure the second seed in the East with a 48-24 record. Their offensive firepower when healthy was absolutely terrifying - I remember watching them dismantle opponents and thinking they might be the most talented team I'd seen in a decade. Their offensive rating of 117.3 when all three stars played together would have shattered records over a full season. Yet their inconsistency due to health issues prevented them from truly dominating the way their talent suggested they could.

Out in the Western Conference, the LA Clippers quietly put together an impressive 47-25 campaign that many analysts, myself included, felt was stronger than their record indicated. Kawhi Leonard's load management approach, while frustrating for fans wanting to see him play every night, kept him fresh and dominant when he did take the court. Their +4.7 net rating was actually better than several teams with superior records, suggesting they were better than their win total indicated. I've always appreciated Ty Lue's strategic approach, and his ability to navigate the regular season while keeping his stars healthy for the playoffs was masterful.

The Denver Nuggets deserve special mention for what they accomplished despite significant adversity. Losing Jamal Murray to a torn ACL in April could have derailed their entire season, but Nikola Jokic put together what I believe was the most valuable individual campaign of any player that year. His averages of 26.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 8.3 assists were historic for a center, and he carried that team to the third seed in the West despite being without his second-best player for the stretch run. Jokic's MVP season was one of the most deserved in recent memory, and watching him dominate games with his unique skill set was a privilege.

Looking back at the 2021 NBA regular season, what stands out to me isn't just which teams accumulated the best records, but how they achieved their success under such unusual circumstances. The Jazz demonstrated the power of systematic excellence and depth, the 76ers showed what a dominant big man can accomplish with the right supporting cast, and the Suns proved how transformative veteran leadership can be. Meanwhile, stories of durability and consistency, whether in the NBA or looking at international examples like Tenorio's incredible 744-game streak, remind us that availability remains one of the most underrated skills in professional basketball. The teams that truly dominated weren't just the most talented - they were the most adaptable, resilient, and consistent in a season that tested every organization in ways we'd never seen before.