As I look back on the 2021-2022 NBA season, what strikes me most isn't just the final standings but the human stories behind those numbers. I remember watching games where players like Baltazar embodied the spirit of readiness that defined so many teams' journeys. His words - "Sa akin kasi, playing time ko medyo may limit kasi galing ako sa kabila, sunog ako. Ready lang ako. Basta ready lang ako kapag binunot ako" - resonated deeply with me because they capture the essence of what separates playoff contenders from pretenders. That mentality of staying prepared despite limited opportunities, of being ready when called upon, became the defining characteristic of teams that exceeded expectations this season.

The Western Conference standings told a fascinating story of resilience and surprise. Phoenix Suns finished with an impressive 64-18 record, establishing themselves as the team to beat, while Memphis Grizzlies shocked everyone with their 56-26 performance. What impressed me most about Memphis was how they embodied that "ready when called upon" mentality - when key players went down, their bench stepped up in ways nobody anticipated. Having followed the league for over fifteen years, I've learned to spot teams that have that special chemistry, and Memphis had it in spades. Their +9.1 point differential was no fluke - it reflected a system where every player understood their role and remained prepared for increased responsibility.

Over in the Eastern Conference, Miami Heat's 53-29 record might not look dominant on paper, but their consistency throughout the season demonstrated championship DNA. What many casual observers missed was how their role players consistently delivered when it mattered most. Watching Jimmy Butler elevate his game in crucial moments reminded me of Baltazar's philosophy - the Heat were always ready when their number was called. Meanwhile, Boston's remarkable second-half turnaround, finishing with a 51-31 record after being under .500 in January, showcased the importance of peaking at the right time. From my perspective, teams that find their rhythm in March typically carry that momentum deep into the playoffs, and the Celtics proved this theory perfectly.

When we examine the playoff picture that emerged, several compelling narratives developed. The play-in tournament added an exciting layer of drama, with teams like Brooklyn Nets fighting to extend their season. Personally, I believe the play-in format has revolutionized how teams approach the final month of the regular season - no more blatant tanking when there's still a chance to sneak into the postseason. The Western Conference playoffs promised fireworks from the start, with Golden State returning to prominence after two difficult seasons. Having covered Steph Curry since his Davidson days, I've never doubted his ability to will his team back to contention, but even I was surprised by how seamlessly they reintegrated Klay Thompson.

The Eastern Conference playoffs presented what I considered the most intriguing first-round matchup: Milwaukee versus Brooklyn. On paper, Brooklyn's talent suggested they could challenge the defending champions, but basketball games aren't played on paper. Milwaukee's championship experience and superior chemistry gave them the edge in my prediction model. What many analysts overlooked was how Milwaukee's role players had embraced that "ready when called upon" mentality that Baltazar described. Watching Bobby Portis and Pat Connaughton throughout the season, I noticed how they maximized their limited minutes, always prepared to contribute when their opportunities expanded in the playoffs.

As we look toward the championship picture, several factors beyond the raw standings come into play. Injury management, three-point shooting variance, and defensive versatility become increasingly critical in the postseason. Teams like Phoenix built their success on continuity and health, while Boston leveraged their switch-heavy defense to neutralize opponents' strengths. Having analyzed championship teams for years, I've found that defensive rating in the final twenty games strongly correlates with playoff success, and Boston's 106.3 defensive rating down the stretch made them particularly dangerous.

The human element often gets lost in statistical analysis, but it's what makes basketball so compelling. When I hear players like Baltazar discuss their readiness mentality, I'm reminded that behind every win-loss record are individuals battling circumstances, expectations, and limitations. The 2021-2022 season demonstrated that while talent determines the ceiling, mindset and preparation define the floor. Teams that cultivated depth and instilled that "always ready" philosophy tended to outperform their projected win totals. As we move deeper into the playoffs, watch for which teams have players who've embraced this approach - they're typically the ones still standing when the confetti falls.