Looking back at the 2022-23 NBA season, I can’t help but reflect on how certain players and teams completely defied expectations—both in electrifying and frustrating ways. As someone who’s followed the league closely for years, I’ve come to appreciate how the smallest details, like defensive positioning or a well-set screen, can shift the momentum of an entire game. One quote that stuck with me this season came from a coach discussing a particular player’s impact: “He made it easier for the guards to do their job kasi kapag nagbigay ng pick, nakadikit na ‘yung bantay kaagad.” That insight, while specific, speaks volumes about the under-the-radar contributions that often go unnoticed but end up defining a team’s success or failure.
Let’s start with the surprises, because honestly, there were moments this season that left me genuinely stunned. The Sacramento Kings’ turnaround was nothing short of spectacular. After finishing 12th in the Western Conference the previous year with a 30-52 record, they surged to the 3rd seed and ended a 16-year playoff drought. Domantas Sabonis averaged 19.1 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 7.3 assists per game, but what impressed me most was his screening—the kind that makes life easier for guards, just as that quote highlighted. De’Aaron Fox, meanwhile, became a fourth-quarter maestro, posting an average of 9.8 points in the final period alone. I’ve always believed that clutch performance separates good teams from great ones, and Fox embodied that. Then there was the emergence of Jalen Brunson in New York. The Knicks hadn’t made it past the first round since 2013, but Brunson’s leadership and 27.8 points per game in the playoffs pushed them to the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Watching him navigate picks and exploit defensive gaps reminded me of how nuanced the game can be; it’s not just about flashy dunks but the subtle, almost invisible plays that build wins.
On the flip side, the disappointments hit hard, especially for teams and players I had high hopes for. The Dallas Mavericks’ collapse was, in my opinion, one of the most baffling stories of the year. After acquiring Kyrie Irving mid-season, they seemed poised for a deep playoff run. Instead, they stumbled from 4th in the West to completely missing the postseason, finishing with a 38-44 record. Luka Dončić put up historic numbers—32.4 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 8.0 assists per game—but the team’s defense was abysmal, ranking 25th in defensive rating. I kept thinking about that earlier quote: when screens aren’t set effectively, guards struggle, and Dallas’s perimeter defense often looked disjointed, as if everyone was a step behind. Another letdown was the Phoenix Suns. Despite adding Kevin Durant and boasting a “superteam” on paper, they fell short in the second round to the Denver Nuggets. Durant and Devin Booker averaged over 27 points each, but the bench depth was shallow, scoring just 26.1 points per game compared to Denver’s 32.3. It’s a reminder that star power alone doesn’t win championships; it’s the role players executing those gritty, pick-and-roll details that complete the puzzle.
Personally, I found the Denver Nuggets’ championship run to be the season’s most satisfying narrative. Nikola Jokić, with his 30.2 points, 14.0 rebounds, and 7.2 assists in the Finals, was a masterclass in efficiency. But what stood out to me was how their entire system revolved around seamless teamwork—the very essence of that defensive quote. When Jokić set a screen, defenders were immediately glued to him, freeing up Jamal Murray for those clutch shots. It wasn’t just about individual brilliance; it was a symphony of coordinated moves, something I’ve always argued separates contenders from pretenders. Similarly, the Miami Heat’s Cinderella story as an 8th seed making the Finals was a thrill. Jimmy Butler’s 35-point Game 1 against Milwaukee in the first round was legendary, and it underscored how resilience can trump raw talent. Yet, their eventual loss to Denver highlighted the limits of over-reliance on one star—a lesson I think more teams should take to heart.
In conclusion, the 2022-23 NBA season taught me that basketball’s beauty lies in its unpredictability and the subtle intricacies that stats alone can’t capture. From the Kings’ resurgence to the Mavericks’ downfall, it was a year of stark contrasts. Reflecting on that quote about screens and defensive pressure, I’m reminded that the game’s true heroes are often those who excel in the unnoticed moments. As a fan and analyst, I’ll carry these insights forward, believing that the most memorable seasons aren’t just about who wins, but how they do it—through teamwork, adaptability, and those small, decisive actions that define greatness.