Looking back at the 2020-2021 NBA season, I can't help but relive some of the most exciting and unpredictable moments. The season showcased a mix of dominance by some teams and surprising performances by others. The Utah Jazz came out with the best regular-season record, boasting an impressive 52-20. Their success wasn't just by chance; they had an efficient offense and a stifling defense, which kept their nba standings 2020 to 2021 position solid throughout the season.
Meanwhile, the Phoenix Suns shocked everyone by landing the second seed in the Western Conference with a 51-21 record. This marked a massive turnaround for a team that hadn't seen the playoffs in over a decade. They capitalized on the leadership and experience of Chris Paul and the youthful exuberance of Devin Booker. Remember that game against the Clippers? Booker’s 40-point triple-double highlighted his growth as a formidable force in the NBA.
In the Eastern Conference, the Philadelphia 76ers led the pack with a 49-23 record. Joel Embiid played like a man possessed, putting up MVP-like numbers, averaging 28.5 points and 10.6 rebounds per game. I remember watching Embiid and thinking, "This dude is carrying his squad." And he did, effectively creating space and drawing double teams that opened up opportunities for teammates like Tobias Harris and Ben Simmons.
The Brooklyn Nets, another powerhouse, finished second in the East with a 48-24 record. This team was stacked with talent. Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden - no wonder they were a scoring juggernaut, averaging 118.6 points per game, the highest in the league. The Nets’ offense operated like a well-oiled machine, tearing through defenses with their pace and space strategy. They were must-watch TV every single game night.
But let’s not forget the defending champions, the Los Angeles Lakers. They had a rough season plagued by injuries, finishing with a 42-30 record, landing the seventh seed in the West. Despite LeBron James and Anthony Davis missing significant time, the Lakers managed to stay competitive. I remember thinking, “If they could just get healthy, they’d be a nightmare matchup for anyone.” Still, their road to repeat glory was tougher than they might have anticipated.
The New York Knicks were one of my favorite storylines from this season, going 41-31 and grabbing the fourth seed in the East. It was magical to see Julius Randle lead his team back to relevance, earning him the Most Improved Player award. Madison Square Garden buzzed with the kind of energy that’s been missing for years, and that was special to witness.
The Golden State Warriors also caught my eye, primarily due to Stephen Curry’s incredible performances. The Warriors ended with a 39-33 record, just making it into the play-in tournament. Curry made history by leading the league in scoring at age 33, the oldest player since Michael Jordan to do so. His shooting displays often left me in awe; there were nights where it seemed he could single-handedly carry the Warriors to victory.
On the downside, the Houston Rockets had a season to forget, finishing with the worst record in the league at 17-55. Remember when they traded James Harden to the Nets in January? That trade marked the beginning of their rough spiral, and it was tough seeing a veteran team crumble so fast. Their focus shifted to rebuilding and developing young talents, which makes sense but must have been hard to swallow for their fans.
I can't help but give a nod to the Milwaukee Bucks as well. They went 46-26, good for the third seed in the East, and Giannis Antetokounmpo was a force of nature. He averaged 28.1 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game. His Euro step and monstrous dunks made me think, “This guy is from a different planet.” With Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton providing steady support, the Bucks were in a great position heading into the playoffs.
The Memphis Grizzlies deserve a mention too. Ja Morant and his crew fought tooth and nail to secure the eighth seed in the West with a 38-34 record. Morant, only in his second year, displayed poise and leadership beyond his years, especially in that play-in game against the Warriors. His 35-point performance was a clinic in attacking the basket and controlling the tempo of the game.
Even more intriguing were the Atlanta Hawks, who finished 41-31 to secure the fifth seed in the East. They fired their head coach Lloyd Pierce mid-season, which was a risky move that paid off. Nate McMillan stepped in and turned things around. Trae Young's shooting and playmaking gave the Hawks a dynamic edge. His swagger on the court reminded me of young Steph Curry, showing no fear when launching those deep triples.
Given all these ups and downs, twists and turns, the 2020-2021 NBA season was a rollercoaster that left fans like me talking. From unexpected risers to the days of wondering if teams could bounce back from adversity, it was an unforgettable year in the league.