2025-11-15 13:00
by
nlpkak
Looking back at the 2021 NBA season, I still get chills remembering how dramatically the standings shifted in those final weeks. As someone who’s followed the league for over a decade, I’ve rarely seen a season with so many surprises packed into the last stretch. Teams clawed their way up, others stumbled unexpectedly, and the final rankings told a story of grit, strategy, and sometimes, plain luck. I remember thinking midway through the season that the usual powerhouses would cruise through, but boy, was I wrong. The standings didn’t just reflect wins and losses—they revealed team chemistry, coaching adaptability, and the sheer impact of key injuries at the worst possible times.
Take, for example, the way certain teams handled back-to-back games in condensed schedules. The Phoenix Suns, who finished with an impressive 51-21 record, showed remarkable consistency. I’ve always admired Chris Paul’s leadership, and seeing him elevate that squad was a masterclass in veteran presence. On the flip side, the Lakers’ fall to a 42-30 finish was a stark reminder that star power alone doesn’t guarantee success. Anthony Davis’s mid-season injury really derailed their momentum, and as a fan, it was frustrating to watch them struggle to find rhythm when it mattered most. Then there were the underdogs like the New York Knicks, who jumped to the 4th seed in the East with a 41-31 record. I’ll admit, I didn’t see that coming, but Tom Thibodeau’s defensive schemes were nothing short of brilliant.
One thing that stood out to me was how the play-in tournament shook up the final stretch. It added a layer of urgency we hadn’t seen before. The Golden State Warriors, ending at 39-33, fought tooth and nail to secure their spot, and Stephen Curry’s historic scoring run was a joy to watch—even if I’m slightly biased as a longtime admirer of his game. Meanwhile, the Brooklyn Nets, despite finishing 48-24, never quite hit the dominant stride many expected. Their big three of Durant, Harden, and Irving had moments of sheer magic, but inconsistency on defense left them vulnerable. I recall arguing with friends that their regular-season record didn’t fully capture their potential, but in hindsight, maybe it did.
The Western Conference, in particular, felt like a rollercoaster. The Utah Jazz clinched the top seed with a 52-20 record, and I’ve got to say, their team-first approach was refreshing. Donovan Mitchell’s growth as a closer was evident, and Rudy Gobert’s defensive presence anchored them in ways stats alone can’t measure. On the other hand, the Dallas Mavericks’ 42-30 finish felt a bit underwhelming given Luka Dončić’s heroics. I’ve always believed they’re one solid piece away from contending seriously. And let’s not forget the Denver Nuggets—jam-packed with talent but hit hard by Jamal Murray’s injury. Finishing 47-25 was a testament to Nikola Jokić’s MVP-caliber season, and honestly, he deserved every bit of that award.
In the Eastern Conference, the Philadelphia 76ers’ 49-23 record secured them the first seed, and Joel Embiid’s dominance in the paint was a sight to behold. I’ve followed his career since his rookie years, and seeing him lead that team with such confidence was rewarding. The Milwaukee Bucks, at 46-26, had their typical regular-season success, though I’ve often criticized their playoff adjustments. Giannis Antetokounmpo is a force of nature, but their third-place finish didn’t surprise me—they tend to save their best for later. What did surprise me was the Miami Heat’s drop to 40-32. After their 2020 Finals run, I expected more firepower, but they seemed to struggle with consistency, especially in clutch moments.
Now, here’s where I’ll get a bit personal: I’ve always had a soft spot for teams that outperform expectations. The Atlanta Hawks, finishing 41-31 and fifth in the East, were a blast to watch. Trae Young’s flair and Nate McMillan’s mid-season turnaround had me cheering from my couch. Contrast that with the Boston Celtics’ 36-36 record, which felt disappointing given their roster. As an analyst, I think their offensive struggles were glaring, and it’s clear they missed Gordon Hayward’s versatility more than they let on. Out West, the Memphis Grizzlies’ 38-34 finish was another highlight—Ja Morant is must-watch TV, and their young core played with a fearlessness I admire.
Reflecting on the complete standings, it’s clear that the 2021 season was defined by unpredictability. From the Suns’ rise to the Lakers’ stumble, each team’s journey offered lessons in resilience and adaptability. As a basketball enthusiast, I appreciate how the standings don’t just list numbers—they tell stories of triumph, heartbreak, and everything in between. While stats like Hokkaido’s 19-34 slide in a different league remind us that struggles are universal, the NBA’s 2021 chapter proved that every game counts, and every ranking carries weight. If there’s one takeaway I’d emphasize, it’s that in basketball, as in life, the final standings are just the beginning of the conversation.
