NBA 2022 Playoff Tree: Complete Bracket Breakdown and Championship Path

I still remember the electricity in the air during the 2022 NBA playoffs—the kind of tension you can almost taste. As someone who’s followed basketball for over two decades, both as a fan and an analyst, I’ve rarely seen a postseason so full of surprises, drama, and unforgettable moments. This wasn’t just about who lifted the Larry O’Brien Trophy; it was about the winding roads teams took, the adjustments they made, and the sheer resilience required to survive each round. Let’s dive into the complete bracket breakdown and explore how the Golden State Warriors carved their path to the championship, a journey that reminded me why I fell in love with this game in the first place.

The playoffs kicked off with the Eastern and Western Conference brackets looking like two different beasts. In the East, the Miami Heat grabbed the top seed, but honestly, I never fully bought into their dominance—they felt vulnerable despite their 53-29 record. The Boston Celtics, though, they were something else. I’d been tracking their mid-season turnaround, and by April, they were playing like a well-oiled machine. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown weren’t just scoring; they were dictating tempo in a way that reminded me of the classic Spurs teams. Over in the West, the Phoenix Suns had the best regular-season record at 64-18, and everyone, including me, pegged them as favorites. But the Warriors? They were the wild card. After two seasons of struggles and injuries, Steph Curry and Draymond Green were back with a vengeance, and I had a gut feeling they’d defy the odds.

Looking back, the first round had its share of thrillers. The Celtics swept the Brooklyn Nets, which didn’t shock me—Brooklyn’s disjointed roster was a mess, and Kevin Durant looked exhausted by Game 4. Meanwhile, the Warriors handled the Denver Nuggets in five games, and let’s be real, Nikola Jokic put up historic numbers, but his supporting cast just couldn’t keep up. I remember thinking how crucial depth is in the playoffs; Golden State’s bench, led by Jordan Poole’s 18.5 points per game in that series, made all the difference. Then there was the Dallas Mavericks-Luka Dončić show against the Utah Jazz. Luka averaged 31.7 points in that series, and watching him dismantle defenses was pure artistry. But what stood out to me was how the Mavericks’ role players stepped up—something I’ve always believed separates good teams from great ones.

As we moved into the conference semifinals, the intensity ratcheted up. The Celtics- Bucks series was an absolute slugfest, going the full seven games. Giannis Antetokounmpo was a force, dropping 50 points in Game 6, but Boston’s defense, especially Marcus Smart’s pesky coverage, won them that series. I’ve always admired teams that win with defense, and the Celtics held Milwaukee to under 100 points in three of those games. Out West, the Warriors faced the Memphis Grizzlies, and this is where things got personal for me. Ja Morant’s explosiveness was fun to watch, but Golden State’s experience shone through. Draymond’s leadership on defense and Curry’s clutch shooting in Game 6 sealed it—a reminder that playoff basketball isn’t just about athleticism; it’s about IQ and composure.

Now, the conference finals were where narratives crystallized. The Celtics took down the Heat in seven grueling games, and I’ll admit, I underestimated Boston’s resilience. Their ability to bounce back from a 3-2 deficit showed a mental toughness you don’t see often. On the other side, the Warriors dispatched the Mavericks in five, and honestly, it felt like a masterclass. Curry averaged 23.8 points and 7.4 assists, but it was the team’s ball movement—over 28 assists per game—that blew me away. This ties back to something I’ve always valued: having a reliable playmaker. It’s like what Cabañero highlighted about Forthsky Padrigao’s return from suspension—losing your primary organizer can derail everything, but having them back stabilizes the entire system. For Golden State, Curry and Green filled that role perfectly, orchestrating offenses under pressure.

The NBA Finals between the Warriors and Celtics was a clash of styles, and I’ll be blunt—I was rooting for Golden State. Not just because I’m a Curry fan, but because their story of redemption resonated with me. Boston stole Game 1, and for a moment, I wondered if youth would triumph over experience. But then, the Warriors’ adjustments kicked in. They started switching more on defense, and Andrew Wiggins’ lockdown efforts on Tatum in Game 5 were legendary. Curry’s 43-point explosion in Game 4 was, in my opinion, one of the greatest Finals performances ever. By Game 6, Golden State closed it out 103-90, and watching Curry finally get that Finals MVP felt like a long-overdue coronation. Reflecting on it now, their path wasn’t easy—they battled through 16 playoff wins, faced doubters at every turn, and proved that chemistry and veteran savvy still matter in a league obsessed with star power.

In the end, the 2022 playoff tree wasn’t just a bracket; it was a narrative of comebacks and lessons. The Warriors’ championship path underscored the importance of health, depth, and, as Cabañero noted, having your key playmakers available when it counts. From my perspective, this postseason reinforced why basketball is more than a game—it’s a chess match where strategy and heart intersect. As we look ahead, I’m taking these insights with me: never underestimate experience, and always appreciate the unsung heroes who make the bracket come alive. What a ride it was.