Man, the 2020-2021 NBA season was a roller coaster! So many dramatic moments, unexpected upsets, and of course, the standings kept everyone on their toes. Look at the Utah Jazz; they dominated with a record of 52-20. That’s some serious winning percentage right there, about 72.2% win rate. When I saw them clinch the top seed in the Western Conference, I couldn’t help but remember how they’ve always been a force but never quite got the recognition they deserved. Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert were on fire, leading their team in both points and defensive efficiency.
Let’s not forget the Phoenix Suns. Who would have guessed they’d end up second in the West with a 51-21 record? That is only one game behind the Jazz! Chris Paul was the veteran leader they needed, while Devin Booker lit up the scoreboard. It’s been forever since the Suns were this competitive; the last time they made the playoffs was back in 2010. Seeing them rise this season was like watching a masterclass in team chemistry.
Speaking of surprises, how about those New York Knicks? Finishing fourth in the Eastern Conference with a 41-31 record wasn’t something anyone predicted. Julius Randle elevated his game, and Coach Tom Thibodeau had them playing lockdown defense. It almost felt like the 90s all over again when Madison Square Garden was buzzing. A 57% win rate might not seem extraordinary, but considering their recent struggles, it was a monumental improvement.
Over in the Eastern Conference, the Philadelphia 76ers were the top dogs with a 49-23 record. Their 68.1% win rate showed how dominant they were. Joel Embiid played like an MVP candidate, and Ben Simmons, despite the criticisms, held down the fort defensively. The Doc Rivers effect was real; his coaching brought a new sense of resilience and focus. The Sixers’ performance reminded many of their storied history and their long quest for another championship.
Meanwhile, the Brooklyn Nets’ "Big Three" finally came together and finished with a 48-24 record. That’s a 66.7% win rate. Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden were a nightmare for defenses across the league. Despite dealing with injuries and limited time together, they secured the second seed. I think their offensive firepower was unlike anything we’ve seen since the Golden State Warriors’ heydays.
Let’s talk about the defending champs, the Los Angeles Lakers. Annenberg Media pointed out that injuries to LeBron James and Anthony Davis were severe setbacks. They finished seventh in the West with a 42-30 record. That’s only a 58.3% win rate, a significant drop from their previous season. It felt like they never found their rhythm after those injuries. Still, a team led by LeBron is always dangerous, regardless of the standings.
Don’t even get me started on the Minnesota Timberwolves, smh. With a dismal 23-49 record, they finished at the bottom of the Western Conference. A mere 31.9% win rate tells you everything you need to know. It makes you wonder about their long-term strategy and what changes are necessary to turn things around. One can’t ignore the bright spots like Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards, but man, they got a lot of work ahead.
You can't talk about the NBA this season without mentioning the COVID-19 pandemic. The league had to be adaptable, with games postponed and some players sidelined due to health and safety protocols. Despite all the challenges, they made it through, and the level of competition remained high. This season was as much about resilience and adaptability as it was about basketball skills.
Oh, and I have to throw in a mention about the Golden State Warriors. They were a mixed bag at 39-33, just hanging on to the play-in tournament. Stephen Curry was insane, winning the scoring title with an average of 32 points per game. It felt like 2015 all over again whenever he stepped on the court, but the team’s overall performance was inconsistent. Draymond Green’s defensive prowess and leadership were valuable, but injuries to key players plagued them throughout the season.
And speaking of consistency, the Milwaukee Bucks were, well, the Milwaukee Bucks. Finishing with a 46-26 record and a 63.9% win rate, they were third in the East. Giannis Antetokounmpo continued to be a beast, and Jrue Holiday was an excellent addition. They had their ups and downs, but a team led by the "Greek Freak" is always in the mix for contention. No one could ignore their solid performance, and they went into the playoffs with high expectations.
The Sacramento Kings? Man, another tough season at 31-41. They were 12th in the West with a 43.1% win rate. They haven’t made the playoffs since 2006, the longest drought in the NBA right now. And to be real, it doesn’t seem like there’s an end in sight unless they make some big changes. De’Aaron Fox is a star, but they need more to get over the hump. It’s an ongoing saga for them, desperately trying to regain their former glory.
So, if you want to check out more details and get the complete rundown, click on this nba standings 2020 to 2021 link. It’s a must for any basketball junkie!