2022-23 NBA Season Highlights: Top Moments and Key Takeaways for Basketball Fans

As I reflect on the 2022-23 NBA season, I can't help but feel we witnessed something truly special unfold across the basketball landscape. Having followed the league for over fifteen years, I've developed a keen eye for seasons that feel transformative rather than just transitional, and this past year absolutely fell into that rare category. From stunning individual performances to strategic shifts that redefined how the game is played, the season offered a masterclass in modern basketball evolution. What stood out to me most wasn't just the highlight-reel dunks or record-breaking three-pointers, though we certainly had plenty of those, but rather the subtle tactical adjustments that separated the good teams from the championship contenders.

I remember watching a Denver Nuggets practice early in the season where Nikola Jokić was working on his screening technique, and it reminded me of that brilliant observation from Paras about how effective picks make defenders stick to the screener, freeing up guards to operate. This fundamental concept reached its absolute zenith this season with Jokić, who might just be the greatest screening big man I've ever seen. His understanding of angles and timing created countless opportunities for Jamal Murray throughout the playoffs, particularly during their championship run. When Jokić sets a pick, defenders are forced to make an impossible choice – help on the rolling big or stick with the sharpshooting guard. This season, we saw this simple action become the foundation of Denver's entire offensive system, proving that sometimes the most basic basketball concepts, executed to perfection, can still dominate in an era of analytical complexity.

The statistical dominance of certain players this season was simply staggering. Joel Embiid's scoring title with 33.1 points per game felt inevitable after his torrid start, though I'll admit I was personally rooting for Luka Dončić to make a stronger push down the stretch. The MVP race sparked endless debates among analysts, but from my perspective, Jokić's historic playoff performance – averaging 30.0 points, 13.5 rebounds, and 9.5 assists while leading his team to their first championship – ultimately validated his case as the league's most impactful player, even if he finished second in regular season voting. What impressed me most about Jokić wasn't just the triple-doubles but his incredible efficiency, shooting 63.2% from the field and 38.3% from three-point range during the postseason. Those numbers aren't just good – they're historically great for a center handling that much offensive responsibility.

Golden State's decline fascinated me from a tactical perspective. Watching them struggle defensively highlighted how the league has adapted to their motion offense. Teams are now aggressively fighting through screens and switching everything, much like Paras described with defenders sticking to their assignments. This approach neutralized much of what made the Warriors special during their dynasty years. Stephen Curry still put up magnificent numbers – 29.4 points per game on 49.3% shooting – but the supporting cast couldn't provide the same defensive intensity that characterized their championship teams. As someone who's always appreciated well-executed team defense, I found it compelling to watch opponents finally solve the Warriors' system after years of dominance.

The emergence of the Sacramento Kings as legitimate contenders brought me genuine joy after covering their prolonged struggles. Their offensive rating of 118.6 points per 100 possessions set a new NBA record, surpassing even the legendary Warriors teams. What made their offense so effective was the Domantas Sabonis-De'Aaron Fox pick-and-roll partnership, which perfectly illustrated that concept of screens forcing defenders to stick to their assignments. When Sabonis set those hard screens, defenders had to commit to either Fox's lightning-quick drive or the rolling big man, creating constant advantages. Having analyzed basketball for various publications since 2010, I've rarely seen a team execute with such precise timing and spatial awareness in their first year together. Their first-round series against the Warriors was, in my opinion, the most entertaining playoff basketball we've seen in years.

The Lakers' midseason transformation following their 2-10 start was nothing short of remarkable. As someone who's often criticized Rob Pelinka's roster construction, I have to give credit where it's due – the trades that brought in Rui Hachimura, D'Angelo Russell, and Jarred Vanderbilt completely reshaped their defensive identity. Their defensive rating improved from 116.0 before the trades to 110.2 after, which would have ranked first in the league over the full season. Watching them dismantle Memphis in the first round demonstrated how defense still wins in the playoffs, even in an offensive-dominated era. Anthony Davis' return to dominant form, particularly on the defensive end where he averaged 3.8 blocks per game in the Warriors series, reminded everyone why I've always considered him the league's most versatile defender when healthy.

What struck me about the playoffs was how teams increasingly leveraged defensive versatility to counter offensive schemes. The Heat's stunning run to the Finals as an 8-seed embodied this perfectly. Their zone defenses and aggressive switching created the kind of defensive intensity that Paras alluded to – making offensive players feel like defenders were constantly attached to them. Jimmy Butler's playoff performance ranks among the greatest I've witnessed, averaging 31.5 points in the first round against Milwaukee, including that unforgettable 56-point game that reminded me of vintage Jordan performances. Miami's development of undrafted players like Gabe Vincent and Max Strus speaks to their incredible player development system, which I believe other franchises should study closely.

The Celtics' near-historic comeback from 3-0 down against Miami showcased the mental toughness that often separates good teams from great ones. Jayson Tatum's 51 points in Game 7 against Philadelphia demonstrated his growth into a true superstar, though I still question his consistency in big moments after his early ankle injury in the final Game 7 against Miami clearly limited his effectiveness. What impressed me most about Boston was their defensive versatility – having multiple players who could switch across positions perfectly exemplified modern defensive principles. Their ability to defend without fouling was particularly notable, as they committed the second-fewest personal fouls per game at 18.2 while maintaining defensive intensity.

As I look ahead to next season, the lessons from 2022-23 seem clear: team-building around versatile defenders and skilled screen-setters creates sustainable success. The championship proved that the pick-and-roll, when executed with the precision Paras described, remains the most potent action in basketball. Having covered the league through various stylistic eras, I'm convinced we're entering a period where two-way versatility and basketball IQ will be valued more than ever. The teams that understand how to create and exploit defensive dilemmas through screening action will continue to thrive, while those relying solely on individual talent will likely struggle. This season reinforced my long-held belief that basketball, at its core, remains a game of creating and solving problems, with the humble screen serving as the catalyst for everything that follows.