Hey, have you checked out the NBA standings for the 2021 season? They were pretty interesting, especially if you’re rooting for any of the teams. Let me tell you, the Brooklyn Nets were a force to be reckoned with. They finished the regular season with a record of 48 wins and 24 losses, putting them second in the Eastern Conference. The firepower of Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden was just insane. These guys were averaging about 82 points per game together, which accounted for a huge chunk of their team's scoring ability.
And, of course, you can't forget about the Philadelphia 76ers. They clinched the top seed in the East with a record of 49-23. Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons were crucial to their success, with Embiid averaging 28.5 points and 10.6 rebounds per game. Embiid really took his game to another level this season, showing incredible efficiency and power. It's easy to see why he was in the MVP conversation throughout the year.
Meanwhile, out West, the Utah Jazz were a revelation. They had the best record in the league at 52-20. Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert were the standout players. Gobert, the Defensive Player of the Year, was an absolute wall in the paint, notching 2.7 blocks per game. Mitchell was the primary offensive weapon, putting up 26.4 points a night. The Jazz's chemistry and three-point shooting prowess made them a nightmare matchup for most teams.
The Phoenix Suns also caught everyone’s eye with a record of 51-21, securing the second spot in the Western Conference. Chris Paul’s leadership and Devin Booker's scoring were instrumental. Paul, with his immense experience, averaged 16.4 points and 8.9 assists per game, guiding the Suns with remarkable precision. Booker consistently put up stellar numbers too, averaging 25.6 points per game. This team had one of the best turnarounds in recent NBA history.
The defending champions, the Los Angeles Lakers, had a rocky season largely due to injuries. They ended the regular season with a 42-30 record, which slotted them into seventh place in the West. LeBron James and Anthony Davis missed significant time, impacting the team's performance. LeBron, despite the injuries, still averaged 25.0 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 7.8 assists per game. The Lakers’ playoff hopes rode heavily on how quickly their star players could return to form.
Let’s not forget about the incredible season of the New York Knicks. They surprised many by finishing fourth in the Eastern Conference with a 41-31 record. Julius Randle emerged as an All-Star, averaging 24.1 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game. Coach Tom Thibodeau did wonders with this squad, instilling a defensive mindset that turned them into one of the best defensive teams in the league.
On the other side, some teams struggled more than expected. The Boston Celtics, typically a powerhouse, finished with a disappointing 36-36 record, placing seventh in the East. Injuries and COVID-19 protocols hindered their performance. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown did their best to keep the team afloat, but consistency was an issue. Tatum averaged an impressive 26.4 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game, showing he's one of the premier young talents in the game.
Then there were the Golden State Warriors, who saw flashes of brilliance from Stephen Curry. With Curry averaging an astonishing 32.0 points per game, the Warriors managed a 39-33 record, earning them the eighth seed in the West. Curry was absolutely phenomenal, reminding everyone why he's a two-time MVP. His shooting range and scoring ability were on full display night after night.
In this electric season, the impact of COVID-19 was unavoidable. Teams had to navigate through complex health and safety protocols, leading to postponed games and uneven schedules. For instance, the Memphis Grizzlies, who finished eighth in the West with a 38-34 record, had to adjust to multiple schedule changes. Nonetheless, they fought hard, with Ja Morant leading the charge, averaging 19.1 points and 7.4 assists per game. His explosive play and leadership were key to their success.
Another notable mention should go to the Atlanta Hawks, who ended up fifth in the East with a 41-31 record. Trae Young was spectacular, averaging 25.3 points and 9.4 assists per game. The mid-season coaching change to Nate McMillan seemed to work wonders for them. They played with renewed energy and determination, making them a tough out for any playoff team. Such a resurgence was definitely unexpected at the season's start.
Visiting the bottom end of the standings, we saw the Detroit Pistons and the Houston Rockets struggle immensely, finishing with the worst records in their respective conferences. The Pistons closed their season at 20-52, while the Rockets finished at 17-55. For Detroit, it was a year focused on developing young talent like Saddiq Bey and Killian Hayes, who showed glimpses of potential. Houston, on the other hand, dealt with a host of issues, from injuries to the James Harden trade saga, which saw him move to Brooklyn early in the season. Both teams now look forward to rebuilding with strong draft picks and player development.
When it came to individual accolades, Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets stood out, securing the MVP award. His all-around game was a marvel to watch as he averaged 26.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game. Jokic's vision and skill set were unparalleled, and he carried the Nuggets to a 47-25 record despite the injury to Jamal Murray.
Besides the champions and MVPs, many were excited to see the rise of young stars like Zion Williamson of the New Orleans Pelicans. Zion had a sensational sophomore year, averaging 27.0 points and 7.2 rebounds per game. His mix of agility and strength made him one of the most exciting players to watch. Although the Pelicans didn’t make the playoffs, finishing 11th in the West with a 31-41 record, Zion was definitely a bright spot for the future.
Want to keep an eye on standings and scores in real time? Check out nba standings today 2021 for all the latest updates and results. This season had so many twists and turns, with every game feeling like a must-watch event.
One key aspect of understanding these standings is acknowledging the grit and determination players had to show. Many teams faced back-to-back games, short rest periods, and the mental toll of pandemic protocols. This season was an endurance test, and those who excelled showed immense resilience and focus.
Looking forward, it's going to be fascinating to see how teams retool for the upcoming season. Will the Bucks defend their title? Can the Nets stay healthy and dominant throughout the year? Will the young stars continue their meteoric rise? NBA fans are surely in for an exciting 2022 season, if it's anything like this year's.
The 2021 NBA season was unique in many ways, from the compressed schedule to the incredible individual performances. Players and teams broke new ground, delivering jaw-dropping moments and redefining the standards of excellence in professional basketball. Every game, every play, every stat told a story of determination, growth, and the undying spirit of competition.