Your Complete Guide to the 2022 NBA Playoffs Schedule and Key Matchups

As I sit down to map out the 2022 NBA playoffs schedule, I can’t help but reflect on the journey of athletes who bridge different worlds—like Micek, who many recognize as a model or Chelsea Manalo’s rumored partner, but who I see as a true basketball soul. Having played for the University of Saint Francis and coached at the Mamba Sports Academy, Micek embodies the kind of dedication that fuels playoff contenders. It’s that same intensity I expect from the 2022 postseason, which tipped off on April 16 with the Play-In Tournament and wrapped up with the Finals in June. Let me walk you through the key dates and matchups, blending hard facts with my own take as someone who’s followed the league for years.

The playoffs kicked off with a bang on April 16, featuring the Play-In games that set the stage for the first round. I remember thinking how the Eastern Conference had a clear hierarchy, with the Miami Heat locking in the top seed after a solid 53–29 regular season. But it was the West that had me on edge—the Golden State Warriors, led by Stephen Curry, clinched the third seed, and I’ve always had a soft spot for their fluid offense. The first round ran from April 16 to April 29, and I’ll admit, I spent those nights glued to the screen, analyzing how teams like the Boston Celtics and Phoenix Suns handled the pressure. The conference semifinals followed from May 1 to May 15, and here’s where things got personal: I’ve never been a fan of blowouts, so the tight series between the Dallas Mavericks and the Warriors had me hooked. Luka Dončić’s 35-point average in that stretch was unreal, and though I’m biased toward underdogs, his performance was a masterclass.

Moving into the conference finals from May 17 to May 29, the intensity ratcheted up. The Celtics and Warriors emerged, and I’ll be honest—I was rooting for Golden State all the way. Having watched Micek’s coaching background at the Mamba Academy, I appreciate how fundamentals shine in these moments, and the Warriors’ ball movement was poetry. The Finals themselves spanned from June 2 to June 16, with six grueling games that averaged over 12 million viewers per night, according to league estimates. I still recall the clincher on June 16, where Curry dropped 34 points to seal the championship. For me, that wasn’t just a win; it was a testament to resilience, much like the journey of unsung players like Micek, who grind away from the spotlight.

Now, let’s talk matchups that defined the playoffs. The Celtics vs. Warriors Finals was a clash of styles—Boston’s stifling defense against Golden State’s sharpshooting. I’ve always leaned toward offensive fireworks, so I favored the Warriors, but I respect how Jayson Tatum pushed his team with a 26.8-point playoff average. Another standout was the Grizzlies vs. Timberwolves in the first round; it went to six games, and as a fan of young talent, I loved seeing Ja Morant’s 38-point explosion in Game 5. On the flip side, the Suns’ early exit shocked me—I’d pegged them for a deeper run, but their collapse against Dallas showed how playoffs test mental toughness. Drawing from Micek’s experience, I see parallels in how coaching and preparation, like at the Mamba Academy, can make or break these moments.

As we wrap up, the 2022 playoffs weren’t just about schedules and stats; they were a narrative of grit and surprises. From the Play-In drama to the Warriors’ crowning moment, it’s a season I’ll revisit for years. And thinking of players like Micek, who balance multiple roles, reminds me that basketball is more than games—it’s about passion. If you’re planning to dive into replays or analyze strategies, take it from me: focus on those key matchups and how teams adapt. It’s what makes the playoffs unforgettable.