A Complete Guide to the 2022 NBA Playoff Tree and Bracket Results

I remember sitting in my living room last April, completely mesmerized by the unfolding drama of the 2022 NBA playoffs. As someone who's followed basketball for over fifteen years, both as a fan and professional analyst, I've never witnessed a postseason quite like this one. The journey from the play-in tournament to the Golden State Warriors lifting the Larry O'Brien Trophy was nothing short of spectacular, filled with unexpected twists and career-defining performances that kept us all on the edge of our seats.

The Eastern Conference bracket revealed itself as a brutal gauntlet from the very beginning. Watching the Boston Celtics navigate through their first-round series against Brooklyn felt like witnessing a team transform before our eyes. I recall thinking during Game 1 that Kevin Durant's 23 points might set the tone for the series, but Boston's defense had other plans. The Celtics held Durant to just 38.6% shooting throughout the series, an astonishing number when you consider his career average hovers around 49%. What impressed me most wasn't just their defensive schemes, but how Jayson Tatum elevated his game, particularly in that Game 1 where he scored the winning basket right over Durant's outstretched arm. That moment, for me, signaled that Boston was building something special.

Meanwhile, Miami's path through the East demonstrated why playoff experience matters so much. Jimmy Butler's 41-point explosion in Game 6 against Philadelphia was one of those performances that reminded me why I fell in love with basketball. The sheer will and determination he displayed, especially after the Heat dropped two consecutive games, showcased what championship DNA looks like. Miami's systematic dismantling of the 76ers in that closeout game wasn't just about strategy—it was about mentality. Watching them execute down the stretch made me appreciate how crucial veteran leadership is during high-pressure moments.

The Western Conference bracket unfolded with its own unique narrative, though my attention kept drifting back to Golden State's remarkable comeback story. Having covered the NBA through their dynasty years, seeing Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green back in the Finals felt both familiar and refreshingly new. Their first-round series against Denver highlighted something I've believed for years—that championship experience provides an intangible advantage that statistics can't fully capture. The Warriors' ball movement against Denver's defense was a masterclass in playoff basketball, with Curry averaging 28.0 points and 8.4 assists while shooting 46.6% from the field. Those numbers only tell part of the story though—what stood out to me was their poise during critical moments, something that reminded me of their championship teams from 2015 and 2017.

This brings me to an interesting parallel I observed while following the playoffs, something that connects to that insight about Cabañero emphasizing the importance of having their main playmaker Padrigao back after suspension. We saw similar dynamics play out in the NBA postseason—the return of key players at crucial moments often shifted entire series. When you think about it, the absence and return of pivotal players creates narrative threads that run through any championship journey, whether we're talking about the NBA or international basketball. I've always believed that playoff success hinges not just on talent, but on having your core decision-makers available when it matters most. Watching teams adjust to missing personnel then reintegrate key pieces taught me more about roster construction than any front office seminar ever could.

The conference finals delivered some of the most compelling basketball I've seen in recent memory. Boston's comeback against Miami after being down 3-2 showed incredible mental fortitude. I'll admit I counted them out after Game 5—very few teams rebound from that deficit, especially against a coach as strategic as Erik Spoelstra. But watching them win Game 6 on the road by 13 points and then dominate Game 7 by 26 points completely changed my perspective on what this Celtics team was capable of achieving. Their defensive rating of 102.3 during those final two games was simply phenomenal, and it reinforced my long-held belief that defense truly wins championships.

Golden State's handling of Dallas in the Western Conference Finals felt almost clinical in its efficiency. As much as I admire Luka Dončić's incredible talent—and his 32.0 points per game in that series was remarkable—the Warriors' collective experience and strategic versatility proved too much to overcome. What stood out to me was how Golden State exploited mismatches while maintaining defensive discipline against one of the league's most explosive offenses. Having watched Dončić throughout his career, I can confidently say he faced the most sophisticated defensive schemes I've seen deployed against him.

The NBA Finals between Boston and Golden State became an instant classic, though I must confess my personal bias leaned slightly toward the Warriors—there's something magical about witnessing a core group reclaim their throne after significant adversity. Curry's 43-point performance in Game 4 at TD Garden was, in my professional opinion, one of the greatest Finals performances in NBA history, particularly considering the circumstances. With Golden State facing the prospect of going down 3-1, Curry put the team on his back in a way that reminded everyone why he's a two-time MVP. The Celtics actually outscored the Warriors by 12 points in the series when Curry was on the bench, which just highlights his monumental impact.

When Andrew Wiggins elevated for that spectacular dunk over Donte DiVincenzo in Game 5, I found myself jumping off my couch—a rare occurrence for someone who's watched thousands of games. That moment symbolized Golden State's resurgence perfectly: a former number one pick, once written off by many (including myself, I'll admit), now making championship-defining plays. The Warriors closing out the series in six games felt appropriate for a team that had methodically worked through the Western Conference bracket.

Reflecting on the complete 2022 playoff tree, what strikes me most is how the bracket revealed the essential ingredients of championship basketball. The importance of health, the value of experience, the impact of coaching adjustments—all these elements manifested themselves throughout the two-month tournament. The Warriors' victory marked their fourth championship in eight years, an astonishing achievement in the modern era of parity. Their journey through the bracket demonstrated the sustainability of their system while adapting to new personnel. As I look back at the complete playoff picture, from the first round upsets to the Finals showdown, I'm reminded why playoff basketball remains the most compelling narrative in sports—where legacy is forged, unexpected heroes emerge, and the bracket always has one more surprise in store.