NBA 2021 Standing: Complete Team Rankings and Playoff Predictions

As I was scrolling through the latest NBA standings for the 2021 season, I couldn't help but think about that powerful quote from Philippine volleyball: "Day by day, process by process and hopefully, we'll start working together, build that chemistry and show the world what Philippine volleyball is." That's exactly what separates the top NBA teams from the rest - that gradual building of chemistry through consistent effort. Take the Utah Jazz for instance, who finished with the league's best record at 52-20. They weren't the flashiest team, but their methodical approach and team-first mentality reminded me of that quote - they built their success day by day, process by process.

Looking at the Eastern Conference, the Philadelphia 76ers claimed the top spot with a 49-23 record, and I've got to say, watching Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons develop their chemistry over the season was something special. It wasn't always pretty - there were stretches where they seemed completely out of sync - but that's exactly what the "process by process" part means. The Brooklyn Nets, despite having that superstar trio of Durant, Harden and Irving, finished second with 48 wins, and honestly, I think their chemistry issues cost them the top seed. They had all the talent in the world but sometimes looked like they were playing three different games out there.

What really stood out to me was how the Phoenix Suns transformed from a lottery team to championship contenders. They went 51-21 in the regular season, and watching Chris Paul mentor Devin Booker was like seeing that Philippine volleyball philosophy in action. Day by day, they built that understanding, that unspoken communication that makes great teams special. Meanwhile, the Lakers struggled with injuries and chemistry issues, finishing 42-30 and barely making the play-in tournament. As a longtime LeBron fan, it was tough to watch - they never really found that rhythm that championship teams need.

When I look at the playoff picture, I'm leaning toward the Nets coming out of the East, though the Bucks at 46-26 could surprise everyone. Out West, I'm putting my money on the Clippers, who finished 47-25 and showed incredible resilience throughout the season. The Jazz might have the best record, but in playoff basketball, where every possession matters, I worry about their ability to adjust when things get tough. The Nuggets at 47-25 could make some noise too, especially if Jamal Murray returns healthy. Personally, I'd love to see the Suns make a deep run - there's something about that team's journey that feels authentic, like they've truly earned their success through that day-by-day growth.

What fascinates me most is how these standings tell a story beyond just wins and losses. The Warriors finishing 39-33 and making the play-in tournament shows how much Steph Curry carried that team, while the Knicks surprising everyone with a 41-31 record proves that team chemistry can overcome talent deficits. As we head into the playoffs, I'm reminded that basketball, much like that Philippine volleyball team's aspiration, is about building something together over time. The teams that understand this - that embrace the daily grind and trust the process - are the ones that typically find success when it matters most.