Following the 2021 NBA standings has been nothing short of riveting. I recall catching the last game of the season and seeing the Phoenix Suns clinch the second-best record in the league with 51 wins to their name. The Suns, who many thought might not even make the playoffs a year ago, shocked everyone under the stellar leadership of Chris Paul and the dazzling young talent of Devin Booker. Their win percentage sat at a stunning 70.8%. It reminded me so much of how teams can swiftly turn their fortunes with the right mix of skill and strategy, not unlike the 2008 Boston Celtics, who went from a lottery team to champions in just one season.
The Utah Jazz, on the other hand, took the top seed with an impressive 52-20 record. That’s 72.2% wins if you’re counting. It’s just insane how this team, with a foundation built around Donovan Mitchell’s explosive scoring and Rudy Gobert’s defensive prowess, performed throughout the season. Both players consistently delivered, highlighting their efficiency and productivity. Watching Gobert defend the rim with a wingspan that feels like it stretches across the court is something else. The guy averaged 2.7 blocks per game. That’s some serious rim protection right there!
And then there’s the Brooklyn Nets. Who saw that coming? Finishing second in the Eastern Conference with a 48-24 record, they had fans buzzing all season long. But it’s not just the wins that impressed everyone; it’s how they gelled as a unit despite the star-studded line-up. Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden — the trio provided countless jaw-dropping moments. Durant’s return from Achilles surgery and dropping 26.9 points per game? Pure resilience. And can we talk about the efficiency of their offense? They had a 57.4% effective field goal percentage. That felt like a video game number!
The Milwaukee Bucks holding the third spot with a 46-26 record (63.9%) also didn’t come as a huge surprise, given Giannis Antetokounmpo’s reign as the reigning MVP. His stat line makes you wonder what he’s made of – 28.1 points, 11 rebounds, and 5.9 assists every game. Having someone like Jrue Holiday on their roster definitely bolstered their defensive and offensive schemes. It’s interesting to see how such strategic trades and acquisitions play out over a season.
The Clippers ended the season with a solid 47-25 record, slotting them into the fourth seed. Under Tyronn Lue’s coaching and leadership, the synergy between Kawhi Leonard and Paul George was palpable. Leonard’s clutch plays and defensive intensity, averaging 1.6 steals per game, reminded me so much of his 2014 Finals MVP form with the Spurs. Their athlete performance and team dynamics throughout the season were remarkable.
Surprising many, the New York Knicks captured the fourth seed in the East with a commendable 41-31 record. Julius Randle’s breakout season earned him the Most Improved Player award. I mean, watching him average 24.1 points and 10.2 rebounds was something Knicks fans have been dreaming about for years. And defensively, Tom Thibodeau brought that grit he’s known for, turning the Knicks into one of the tougher defensive teams in the league.
Other notable mentions include the Golden State Warriors, led by the ever-magical Stephen Curry. He didn’t just play; he put on a show night after night, finishing the season averaging a whopping 32 points per game. Even though they barely squeaked into the play-in tournament with a 39-33 record, Curry’s performance was reminiscent of his unanimous MVP season back in 2016.
As I reflect on the 2021 season standings and their implications on the playoff landscape, I can’t help but think about the historical parallels and what these mean for the future of the sport. It’s intriguing to see the resurgence of traditional powerhouses like the Lakers and Celtics while witnessing new contenders such as the Suns and Jazz emerge. Every team, every player has a story to tell, a piece to contribute to the rich tapestry of NBA history.
For more detail on this, check out the nba latest standing 2021. Seeing the standings gives you a snapshot, but diving into the journeys of each team offers a richer understanding of the sport we love.