NBA Finals Standings 2021: Complete Team Rankings and Championship Results

Looking back at the 2021 NBA Finals, I can't help but reflect on how championship narratives are shaped not just by who wins, but by the context surrounding the competition. That reference about La Salle's incomplete lineup situation actually resonates deeply with what we witnessed in the 2021 NBA landscape - teams battling through unprecedented challenges, with some facing legitimate roster limitations that impacted their championship aspirations. The Milwaukee Bucks ultimately claimed the Larry O'Brien Trophy, but the journey there was anything but straightforward, marked by injuries, health protocols, and the lingering effects of the compressed schedule following the pandemic-disrupted previous season.

When I analyze championship outcomes, I always consider the "what if" scenarios - what if teams had their full rosters available? The 2021 Phoenix Suns, who finished as runners-up, actually benefited from relatively good health throughout their playoff run, unlike some of their competitors. Milwaukee's path included facing a Brooklyn Nets team missing key pieces at critical moments, particularly Kyrie Irving's ankle injury during their second-round series. The Nets, who many considered championship favorites when healthy, saw their "superteam" aspirations dashed by misfortune, finishing with what I'd call an incomplete championship puzzle despite having tremendous individual talent.

The actual standings and results tell a compelling story of resilience. Milwaukee secured their first championship in 50 years with a 4-2 series victory over Phoenix. Giannis Antetokounmpo's legendary 50-point closeout performance in Game 6 will be remembered as one of the greatest Finals performances in history. What impressed me most wasn't just the statistical dominance - though his averages of 35.2 points, 13.2 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game in the Finals were staggering - but how he elevated his game when it mattered most. The Bucks' championship wasn't just about one player though; Jrue Holiday's defensive mastery and Khris Middleton's clutch scoring were equally vital to their success.

Phoenix's journey to the Finals was equally remarkable, having missed the playoffs entirely for ten consecutive seasons before their breakthrough. Chris Paul, at 36 years old, finally reached the championship stage after 16 seasons, bringing leadership and stability that transformed the Suns into contenders. Devin Booker's scoring brilliance - he averaged 27.3 points during their playoff run - established him as a true superstar. Their Western Conference victory came against a Clippers team missing Kawhi Leonard due to injury, which again highlights how roster availability shapes these outcomes.

The complete team rankings reveal interesting patterns about team construction and sustainability. The Utah Jazz finished with the league's best regular-season record at 52-20 but fell in the second round, demonstrating that regular-season success doesn't always translate to playoff glory. The Philadelphia 76ers, led by MVP candidate Joel Embiid, secured the East's top seed but also fell short of expectations. Meanwhile, the Atlanta Hawks made a surprising conference finals appearance, showing how postseason basketball often produces unexpected contenders.

From my perspective as someone who's followed the league for decades, the 2021 season represented a transitional period in the NBA landscape. The traditional power structures were shifting, with established champions like the Warriors and Lakers exiting early while new contenders emerged. The condensed schedule and COVID protocols created unique challenges that tested team depth and organizational resilience in ways we hadn't seen before. Teams that adapted best to these unusual circumstances often outperformed their talent level, while others struggled to maintain consistency.

The championship result validated Milwaukee's patient team-building approach, having developed their core through the draft and strategic acquisitions rather than pursuing the superteam model. Their victory serves as a reminder that multiple paths to championship success exist in the modern NBA. The 2021 Finals also highlighted the importance of health and timing - factors that teams can't always control but significantly impact championship outcomes. As we look toward future seasons, the lessons from 2021 about roster construction, depth, and adaptability will continue to influence how teams approach building championship-caliber organizations.

Ultimately, the 2021 NBA season provided one of the most compelling championship stories in recent memory, complete with dramatic narratives, incredible individual performances, and a deserving champion that overcame significant obstacles. The complete team rankings tell only part of the story - the human elements of perseverance, timing, and sometimes plain luck create the rich tapestry that makes NBA basketball so endlessly fascinating to follow year after year.