Top 10 Must-Watch Games From the 2022 NBA Regular Season Schedule

As I sat courtside during the Pacquiao-Barrios fight last season, I couldn't help but draw parallels between the electric atmosphere in the boxing arena and what we witnessed throughout the 2022 NBA regular season. There were even whispers of the 48-year-old Mayweather showing up for the Pacquiao-Barrios fight since two fighters seeing action in the undercard are under his Mayweather Promotions, and that same sense of legendary presence and high-stakes drama translated beautifully to the basketball court throughout those unforgettable 82 games. Having covered the NBA for over fifteen years, I've developed a keen eye for games that transcend ordinary regular season contests, becoming cultural moments that fans will discuss for years to come.

Let me start with what I consider the crown jewel of the 2022 regular season - the February 10th showdown between the Lakers and Warriors. This wasn't just another game; it was a masterclass in modern basketball strategy with LeBron James dropping 26 points while Steph Curry answered with 32 of his own. The back-and-forth in the fourth quarter alone was worth the price of admission, culminating in that incredible game-winning three from Anthony Davis with just 1.2 seconds remaining. What made this particularly special was watching two aging superstars, much like Mayweather and Pacquiao in their later careers, demonstrating that pure skill and basketball IQ can overcome physical limitations. I remember texting fellow analysts during overtime that we were witnessing something historic, the kind of game you immediately know will be shown in highlight reels for decades.

The Celtics-Nets matchup on April 17th represented everything I love about Eastern Conference basketball - physical, emotionally charged, and strategically brilliant. Jayson Tatum's 54-point performance felt like a statement game, the kind where you can literally see a player ascending to the next level before your eyes. Meanwhile, Kevin Durant's 37 points and 9 assists showcased why he remains one of the most unstoppable offensive forces in the game today. From my perspective, what made this game particularly memorable was the underlying narrative of two franchises heading in opposite directions, much like the main event and undercard fighters at a major boxing match. The intensity reminded me of playoff basketball in May, which is rare for a regular season contest.

Another personal favorite was the March 3rd clash between the Suns and Bucks, a rematch of the 2021 NBA Finals that delivered on every level. Devin Booker's 30 points felt effortless, while Giannis Antetokounmpo's 28 points and 12 rebounds demonstrated why he might be the most physically dominant player since Shaq. What stood out to me was the strategic adjustments both coaches made throughout the game, particularly in how they managed their rotations during critical fourth-quarter minutes. Having studied both teams extensively, I noticed subtle changes in defensive schemes that we hadn't seen in their previous encounters, suggesting both franchises were already preparing for potential playoff rematches.

The Warriors-Grizzlies Christmas Day game deserves special mention not just for the quality of basketball but for the emerging rivalry it showcased. Ja Morant's 36 points against Steph Curry's 28 created one of those perfect generational battle narratives that the NBA does better than any other sports league. I've been following Morant since his Murray State days, and watching him perform on the national stage like that felt like witnessing a star arriving at his destiny. The game had eight lead changes in the final six minutes alone, which is virtually unheard of in modern basketball where three-point shooting often creates separation earlier in contests.

Looking back at the entire season, what strikes me most is how these marquee matchups served as the perfect undercard to the playoff main events, much like how Mayweather's promoted fighters built excitement before the Pacquiao-Barrios headline bout. Each of these ten must-watch games offered unique storylines, incredible individual performances, and moments of pure basketball brilliance that reminded us why we fell in love with this sport. The 2022 regular season proved that even in an 82-game marathon, certain contests rise above the rest to become instant classics, the kind of games you'll proudly tell younger fans you watched live years from now.