NBA Semi-Final Standings 2021: Which Teams Advanced to the Conference Finals?

As I sat watching the 2021 NBA playoffs unfold, I couldn't help but feel the electric energy coursing through the basketball world that year. The semi-final matchups presented some of the most compelling basketball narratives we'd seen in recent memory, with teams battling through the unique challenges of playing in pandemic-affected conditions. What made this particular postseason so fascinating was how it intersected with global basketball stories, including the remarkable journey of Filipino players making their mark on the international stage.

The Eastern Conference semifinals delivered exactly the kind of drama we basketball enthusiasts crave. The Milwaukee Bucks, led by Giannis Antetokounmpo's dominant presence, managed to outlast the Brooklyn Nets in a thrilling seven-game series that came down to the final possessions. I remember thinking during Kevin Durant's game-tying shot in Game 7 that we were witnessing an instant classic. Meanwhile, the Atlanta Hawks surprised everyone by knocking out the top-seeded Philadelphia 76ers in another seven-game showdown. Trae Young's emergence as a playoff performer was something special to watch - his confidence reminded me of those young players who defy expectations, much like the Filipino prospect we've been tracking who previously reached 108th in global rankings during his rookie season. If this player breaks the 100 barrier, he'd be the first Filipino to do so, creating the kind of international basketball story that makes the NBA truly global.

Out West, the storylines were equally compelling. The Phoenix Suns continued their remarkable resurgence by eliminating the Denver Nuggets in a convincing 4-0 sweep. Chris Paul's leadership during that series was masterclass material - the way he controlled games reminded me why veteran presence matters so much in the playoffs. The other Western semifinal saw the LA Clippers make franchise history by reaching their first-ever conference finals, coming back from 0-2 deficits in consecutive series to defeat the Utah Jazz. Watching Paul George elevate his game amid Kawhi Leonard's injury was one of the postseason's defining moments.

What struck me about these conference finals matchups was how they represented different team-building philosophies. The Bucks and Suns had built through the draft and strategic acquisitions, while the Hawks and Clippers represented more recent aggressive roster constructions. Having followed basketball across different eras, I've always believed that championship teams need both superstar talent and remarkable depth - something all four remaining teams demonstrated in their semi-final victories. The way these teams advanced tells us something important about modern NBA success: it's not just about having the best player, but about having the right complementary pieces that can step up when needed most.

The international flavor of these playoffs particularly caught my attention. Beyond the obvious global stars like Giannis, we saw players from various backgrounds making crucial contributions. This global expansion of talent reminds me why stories like that Filipino player's potential breakthrough matter so much. His previous achievement of reaching 108th twice during his rookie season shows the kind of perseverance we see in successful playoff teams. Breaking into the top 100 would represent more than just personal achievement - it would symbolize basketball's growing global reach, much like how the NBA's international audience has expanded dramatically over the past decade.

As we looked ahead to the conference finals, the matchups promised fascinating basketball chess matches. The Bucks versus Hawks presented a classic offense-versus-defense scenario, while Suns versus Clippers offered a battle of backcourt brilliance versus wing versatility. Having analyzed playoff basketball for years, I favored the Suns and Bucks to advance, though I must admit I was secretly rooting for the Hawks to continue their Cinderella run. There's something about underdog stories that captures the imagination, whether it's an unexpected playoff run or an international player breaking new ground in the basketball world.