I’ve been glued to the NBA Standings for the 2020-2021 season, and Arena Plus has provided some incredible insights. My favorite part of watching this season is seeing how teams like the Phoenix Suns transformed, jumping up the Western Conference standings faster than anyone expected. They finished the regular season with a stellar 51-21 record, which is impressive considering they weren’t even in the playoff picture a year before.
The Brooklyn Nets turned heads this season too. They assembled a powerhouse, gaining superstars like Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden. These additions helped the Nets secure a 48-24 record, placing them as the second seed in the Eastern Conference. The trio's synergy and chemistry remain a hot topic, showing how superstar alignments can drastically change a team’s fortunes.
On the flip side, Lakers fans had a roller-coaster year. After their championship win in the “bubble” season, they struggled with injuries to key players. LeBron James missed extensive time due to a high ankle sprain, while Anthony Davis faced multiple setbacks. Consequently, the Lakers ended with a 42-30 record, landing them in the seventh spot in the West. It shows how critical player health is to a team’s success, especially when two players account for nearly 30% of a team’s average points per game.
Young talent also shined. Take a look at Luka Dončić of the Dallas Mavericks, who practically put the team on his shoulders. Luka averaged 27.7 points, 8 rebounds, and 8.6 assists per game, securing the Mavericks a fifth seed in the Western Conference. His contributions demonstrate how a singular talent can influence a team’s overall performance and standing.
What really caught my eye, though, is the resurgence of the New York Knicks. Seriously, when was the last time they were relevant? Julius Randle inspired this revival, earning the 2020-2021 NBA Most Improved Player award. He averaged 24.1 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 6 assists per game, helping the Knicks secure a fourth seed in the East. Madison Square Garden felt alive again, reminiscent of its storied past.
You also have to mention the Utah Jazz. They ended the regular season with the best overall record at 52-20. This wasn’t just about Donovan Mitchell’s explosive scoring or Rudy Gobert’s defensive prowess; it was a cohesive unit maximizing its efficiency. The Jazz led the league in three-point percentage, showcasing a balanced approach between offense and defense. It’s no wonder they were the top seed.
Then there’s the Philadelphia 76ers. They claimed the first spot in the East with a 49-23 record, primarily due to Joel Embiid’s MVP-caliber season and Ben Simmons’ defensive masterclasses. Their performance answered a lot of offseason doubts about whether Doc Rivers could brand his imprint on the squad. Leading the East gives them home-court advantage, critical for a deep playoff run given the unpredictable nature of this season.
A disappointing chapter unfolded for the Golden State Warriors. Despite Steph Curry’s herculean efforts, averaging an unbelievable 32 points per game, the team just couldn’t find consistent support from the rest of the roster. They ended the season in the play-in tournament, which feels surreal remembering their dynastic run just a few years ago. The league’s cyclical nature is crystal clear here.
Consider the Atlanta Hawks. They went from being a team without direction to clinching the fifth seed in the East. With Trae Young’s leadership and a mid-season coaching change, the Hawks posted a 41-31 record. That’s a testament to how internal changes and young talent can reinvigorate a franchise. This turnaround is one of the more heartwarming stories of the season.
Even more surprising was how the Miami Heat, who had a deep playoff run last year, found themselves struggling to stay in contention. Suffering from injuries and COVID-19 disruptions, they finished sixth in the Eastern Conference with a 40-32 record. Jimmy Butler’s perseverance shines through, but it’s a reminder of how external factors can derail even the best-laid plans.
And you can’t overlook the Denver Nuggets. After an impressive 47-25 finish, Nikola Jokić’s incredible season earned him the MVP award. His unique versatility and court vision powered the Nuggets, showcasing how the modern NBA celebrates multifaceted big men. Jokić proved that excellent players don’t need to fit the traditional mold to be effective.
The Memphis Grizzlies also deserve a mention. Ja Morant guided them to a play-in berth. This young team showed resilience, making them a squad to watch in the coming years. It’s players like Morant who provide hope for small-market teams, demonstrating that skill and determination can compete with market size.
Arena Plus kept updating us throughout this eventful season. Every twist and turn captured the league's unpredictable nature and the constant shifts from game to game. They’ve provided a treasure trove of data and analysis tailored for fans like me, making this one of the most engaging seasons I can remember.