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The 2021 NBA playoffs saw several remarkable records and milestones: Damian Lillard set an NBA playoff record with 12 three-pointers in a single game, while LeBron James became the only player to rank in the top 10 for all five major statistical playoff categories (points, rebounds, assists, blocks, and steals). Chris Paul achieved an impressive feat by reaching 15 assists with zero turnovers three times in the playoffs, further solidifying his legacy as a playmaker. Nikola Jokić joined an elite group by recording a 30-point, 20-rebound, and 10-assist game, a rarity only matched by two other legends: Wilt Chamberlain and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Additionally, Kevin Durant also made history by scoring 45 points, pulling down 15 rebounds, and dishing out 10 assists in one playoff game, showcasing his multifaceted skillset.

The 2021 NBA playoffs were significantly affected by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which impacted both the regular season and playoff structure. This season, teams played only 72 games instead of the typical 82, leading to a late postseason start on May 22, 2021, instead of mid-April. Additionally, the playoffs featured a new format, introducing a play-in tournament for teams seeded 7th to 10th in each conference, providing a second chance for lower-seeded teams while adding excitement and drama to the qualifying process. These adaptations were made to ensure the safety of players and staff while still delivering a competitive playoff experience that fans have come to love.

The 2021 NBA playoffs were notable for both comeback performances and teams with impressive streaks. For instance, the Memphis Grizzlies made history by being the first No. 9 seed to advance in the playoffs, defeating the Golden State Warriors in the play-in game. Moreover, the Milwaukee Bucks achieved a historic playoff run, overcoming a 0-2 deficit to win the NBA Finals, marking their first championship since 1971. Conversely, this playoff season also signified the end of playoff streaks for teams like the Houston Rockets and Toronto Raptors, who both missed the playoffs for the first time in several years, reflecting a significant shift in the league's competitive landscape.

The 2021 NBA playoffs were characterized by notable changes in team postseason appearances. The Atlanta Hawks and Phoenix Suns made comebacks to the playoffs, with the Hawks returning to the postseason for the first time since 2017 and the Suns participating for the first time since 2010. In contrast, the Houston Rockets missed the playoffs for the first time in nine years, while the Toronto Raptors fell short after eight consecutive playoff appearances. Such shifts highlighted the evolving dynamics within the NBA, as teams like the Wizards and Knicks also made their playoff returns, emphasizing a competitive landscape ripe with opportunity for both veterans and emerging teams alike.

The 2021 NBA playoffs featured notable changes due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, notably reducing the regular season to 72 games and moving the playoffs' start date to May 22, 2021. The Milwaukee Bucks, who triumphed in the Finals, achieved their first championship since 1971, defeating the Phoenix Suns. This year's playoffs also saw both the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers and the 2020 Finals runner-up Miami Heat eliminated in the first round.

The 2021 NBA playoffs spanned from May 22 to July 20, 2021, featuring 16 teams. The tournament was part of the 2020–21 NBA season, which had been adjusted to accommodate public health concerns due to the pandemic.

The Milwaukee Bucks emerged as the champions, securing their second title by defeating the Phoenix Suns in the Finals. The Suns, making their first Finals appearance since 1993, finished as the runner-up.

The playoffs marked the end of streaks for several teams. The Portland Trail Blazers extended their postseason appearance streak to eight consecutive years, while the Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers were both eliminated in the first round. Additionally, the Atlanta Hawks made their first Conference finals appearance since 2015 and the Memphis Grizzlies advanced for the first time since 2017.

This year featured a new 20-team playoff format, incorporating a play-in tournament for teams ranked 7th to 10th in each conference. The No. 7 and No. 8 seeds played for a single playoff berth, while the No. 9 and No. 10 seeds had to win two games to advance. This system allowed for more competitive stakes during the concluding days of the regular season.

Both conference semifinals extended to seven games for the first time since 2001, showcasing intense matchups. The Philadelphia 76ers faced the Atlanta Hawks and the Brooklyn Nets battled the Milwaukee Bucks, promising high-stakes drama leading into the conference finals.

Notable occurrences included a historic comeback by the Atlanta Hawks from an 18-point deficit in the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 5. Additionally, Damian Lillard set an NBA record for most three-pointers made in a playoff game with 12, and both the Lakers and Heat were eliminated in the first round, marking the first time both had the prior year's finals appearance yet failed to advance.

The playoff structure adhered to a traditional format with 16 teams divided into two conferences. Each round, including the Finals, consisted of a best-of-seven series. Home court advantage was awarded to the higher-seeded teams, following a 2-2-1-1-1 game format for series progression.