NBA Playoffs Schedule 2022: Complete Dates, Matchups and Bracket Guide
As I sit here scrolling through my social media feed, I can't help but notice the buzz around Micek - yes, that handsome model who's been making headlines as Chelsea Manalo's rumored boyfriend. But what really caught my attention was discovering his basketball background. Having played for University of Saint Francis and coached at the legendary Mamba Sports Academy, this guy clearly understands the game at a level most people never will. It reminds me why I get so excited about the NBA playoffs every year - because beneath the glitz and glamour, there are real athletes with genuine basketball souls competing at the highest level.
The 2022 NBA playoffs kicked off on April 16th with the Play-In Tournament, setting the stage for what would become one of the most unpredictable postseasons in recent memory. I remember marking my calendar months in advance, because if there's one thing I've learned from covering basketball for over a decade, it's that the playoffs always deliver drama that regular season games simply can't match. The first round began on April 17th, and right from the opening tip-off, you could feel the intensity shift. Teams that had been coasting through the regular season suddenly had that playoff look in their eyes - the kind of focus I imagine Micek taught his players at the Mamba Academy, where every possession matters.
Looking at the Eastern Conference bracket now, it's fascinating to recall how the matchups unfolded. The Miami Heat secured the top seed with a 53-29 record, while the Celtics claimed the second spot at 51-31. What many casual fans might not remember is how tight the race was between Philadelphia and Toronto for the fourth and fifth seeds - separated by just three games in the standings. The Nets, despite all their superstar power, found themselves in the play-in tournament, which was honestly surprising given their talent. I had them penciled in as a top-four team before the season started, but basketball has a way of humbling even the most talented rosters.
Out West, the story was even more compelling. Phoenix dominated with a league-best 64-18 record, while Memphis surprised everyone with their 56-26 performance. The Warriors returning to playoff form after their down year felt like watching an old friend rediscover their magic. And the Denver Nuggets, despite Jamal Murray's absence, managed to secure the sixth seed - a testament to Nikola Jokić's incredible MVP-caliber season. What struck me most about the Western Conference matchups was how every series felt like it could go either way. There were no easy paths, no free passes to the next round.
The conference semifinals began on May 1st, and this is where the real separation happened. I've always believed the second round separates contenders from pretenders, and 2022 proved that theory correct. Boston's seven-game thriller against Milwaukee was basketball at its absolute finest - physical, strategic, and emotionally draining. Meanwhile, Golden State's gentleman's sweep against Memphis showed their championship pedigree. Watching Steph Curry and Ja Morant go at it was like witnessing a passing of the torch, though clearly the Warriors weren't ready to hand it over just yet.
When we reached the conference finals starting May 17th, the intensity reached another level entirely. Miami versus Boston became an instant classic - a back-and-forth battle that went the full seven games. Meanwhile, Golden State made relatively quick work of Dallas in five games. I'll admit I was pulling for the Mavericks - there's something about Luka Dončić's game that I find absolutely mesmerizing - but the Warriors' experience and depth proved too much to handle.
The NBA Finals began on June 2nd, and what a series it was. Boston stealing Game 1 on the road sent shockwaves through the basketball world, but Golden State's response in Game 4 was arguably the turning point. Steph Curry's 43-point masterpiece in Game 4 might go down as one of the greatest Finals performances I've ever witnessed. The series ultimately concluded on June 16th with the Warriors hoisting their fourth championship in eight years - a modern dynasty by any measure.
Reflecting on the entire playoff journey, what stands out to me is how the 2022 bracket reinforced certain basketball truths. Defense still wins championships - Golden State's ability to switch everything and communicate effectively reminded me of the disciplined approach you'd expect from someone like Micek, who learned from the Mamba mentality himself. The importance of depth beyond star players became glaringly obvious, as role players like Andrew Wiggins and Jordan Poole made crucial contributions when it mattered most.
The scheduling itself was particularly grueling this year, with teams playing every other day during most series. That's where conditioning and mental toughness separate the great from the legendary. Having covered Kobe's Lakers during their championship runs, I see that same Mamba mentality in how today's champions approach their craft. It's not just about talent - it's about preparation, film study, and that relentless pursuit of improvement that Micek likely instilled in his academy players.
As we look ahead to future playoffs, the 2022 bracket will be remembered as a turning point for several franchises. It marked the return of the Warriors dynasty, the arrival of Boston as a legitimate force, and the continued emergence of young superstars ready to carry the league forward. For basketball purists like myself - and probably Micek too, given his background - it was a postseason that celebrated the fundamental beauty of the game while showcasing its evolution. The dates may fade from memory, but the moments - those incredible, heart-stopping playoff moments - are what keep us coming back year after year.
