NBA Playoffs Schedule 2022: Complete Dates, Matchups and Bracket Updates

As I sit here scrolling through my social media feed, I can't help but notice the buzz surrounding Micek - mostly known these days as a model and Chelsea Manalo's rumoured boyfriend. But what really caught my attention was discovering his basketball background, having played for University of Saint Francis and coached at the Mamba Sports Academy. It reminds me how deeply basketball runs through so many lives, and how the NBA playoffs represent the absolute pinnacle of this global passion. The 2022 playoffs were particularly fascinating because they marked a return to normalcy after the pandemic disruptions, with the full traditional bracket format restored and all the drama we've come to expect from postseason basketball.

I remember tracking the playoff schedule religiously last year, marking my calendar for key dates that would determine basketball supremacy. The play-in tournament kicked things off on April 12th, creating that extra layer of drama before the main event. Having followed basketball for over fifteen years, I've always believed the play-in games add such exciting uncertainty to the postseason landscape. The first round proper began on April 16th, with conference semifinals starting around May 1st. What made the 2022 schedule particularly interesting was how the league managed to compress everything into about two months of intense competition, culminating in the Finals that began on June 2nd. The scheduling was tight but brilliant - maintaining fan engagement while giving teams adequate rest between series.

Looking at the bracket updates throughout the tournament became my daily ritual. I'd check the standings first thing in the morning, analyzing how each result shifted the championship picture. The Western Conference particularly captured my imagination with Golden State's remarkable return to form. Having covered basketball for various publications since 2015, I've developed a keen sense for spotting championship contenders, and the Warriors just had that special aura about them. Their path through Denver, Memphis, and Dallas showcased a brand of basketball that was both beautiful and effective. Meanwhile, Boston's journey through the East felt like a team exorcising demons from previous postseason disappointments.

The conference finals provided some of the most memorable basketball I've witnessed in recent years. Boston's seven-game battle with Miami had me on the edge of my seat, especially that incredible Game 6 comeback on the road. As someone who's coached at the amateur level, I appreciated the strategic adjustments game to game - the way Boston switched up their defensive schemes or how Miami maximized their limited roster. The Warriors handling Dallas in five games demonstrated the value of championship experience, something you can't quantify in statistics but becomes so evident in high-pressure moments.

When we reached the Finals, the matchup between Golden State and Boston felt like basketball poetry. The series stretched to six games, with the Warriors clinching their fourth championship in eight years on June 16th. I've always been partial to dynasties in sports - there's something magical about sustained excellence in such a competitive environment. Stephen Curry finally capturing that Finals MVP felt like a deserved culmination of his incredible career. The television ratings reflected the series' appeal, with Game 6 drawing approximately 14 million viewers in the United States alone, proving that compelling narratives still drive sports consumption.

Reflecting on the complete playoff picture, what struck me was how the 2022 bracket reinforced certain basketball truths. Defense still wins championships, as Boston and Golden State ranked first and second in defensive rating during the regular season. The three-point revolution continues to evolve, with teams now building entire offensive systems around perimeter shooting. Having analyzed basketball analytics for years, I'm convinced that the balance between traditional post play and modern spacing has never been more important. The playoffs also highlighted the value of roster continuity - the Warriors' core had been through countless postseason battles together, while Boston's key players had several playoff runs under their belts.

The scheduling itself was masterfully executed, with approximately 15 days between conference finals and the Finals allowing for proper rest and preparation. As a fan, I appreciated how the league managed travel considerations while maintaining competitive integrity. The television partners did an excellent job with prime-time slots, though I'd argue some of the afternoon weekend games provided the most electric atmospheres. There's something special about playoff basketball in daylight hours that harks back to the sport's grassroots origins - the kind of environment where players like Micek likely developed their love for the game.

Thinking about basketball journeys like Micek's - from college player to coach to his current public profile - reminds me how the sport connects people across different walks of life. The NBA playoffs represent the dream that every young player chases, whether they're shooting hoops in their driveway or competing at the Mamba Sports Academy. The 2022 season may be in the history books, but its lessons continue to influence how teams approach building championship rosters and how the league structures future postseason formats. The drama, the unexpected heroes, the strategic battles - this is why we remain captivated by playoff basketball year after year, and why the 2022 tournament will be remembered as one of the most compelling in recent memory.