NBA 2021 Standing Analysis: Breaking Down Each Team's Final Position and Playoff Chances

As I sat scrolling through the final NBA standings for the 2021 season, I couldn't help but feel that familiar mix of excitement and disbelief. The Phoenix Suns, who just two years earlier had been stuck in the bubble fighting for a play-in spot, finished with a league-best 64-18 record. That's the kind of turnaround that makes basketball so compelling—when a team truly buys into a system and grows together. This brings me to the heart of today's discussion: NBA 2021 Standing Analysis: Breaking Down Each Team's Final Position and Playoff Chances. It wasn't just about who ended up where; it was about the stories behind the numbers, the chemistry built over months of grinding, and the surprises that left fans either celebrating or scratching their heads.

Looking back, the Western Conference was an absolute dogfight. The Warriors clawed their way to the 3rd seed thanks largely to Stephen Curry's historic scoring run—he dropped 32 points per game while shooting over 42% from deep. I remember watching their Christmas game against the Suns and thinking, "This team might actually have a shot if they stay healthy." Then there were the Memphis Grizzlies, young and fearless, grabbing the 2nd seed with a 56-26 record. Ja Morant wasn't just playing; he was putting on a show every night. On the flip side, the Lakers... what a mess. Even with LeBron averaging 30 a game, they stumbled to 11th place, missing the play-in entirely. Sometimes, talent alone can't fix a broken rhythm.

In the East, the Celtics and Bucks were neck and neck, but Milwaukee's 58-24 finish gave them the edge. Giannis seemed unstoppable, and Jrue Holiday’s defense was a game-changer. But what struck me most was Miami’s consistency—they locked down the 1st seed without a single superstar averaging 25 points. That’s teamwork, plain and simple. It reminded me of a quote I once heard from a Philippine volleyball coach: "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 mindset applies perfectly here. Teams like the Heat and Grizzlies didn’t rely on flashy signings; they built chemistry through daily grind, and it showed in their final positions.

Now, let’s talk playoff chances. Honestly, I thought the Nets were a lock for the Finals before the season even started. But Brooklyn’s 7th-place finish? Ouch. Injuries and off-court drama shattered their momentum, and they barely scraped into the play-in. Meanwhile, Dallas at 4th in the West felt like a sleeper pick—Luka Dončić was phenomenal, but their supporting cast needed to step up. As for dark horses, I’d give a shout-out to the 6th-seeded Raptors. They flew under the radar, yet their defensive schemes were so sharp, I wouldn’t have been surprised if they made a deep run.

Reflecting on all this, the 2021 standings taught us that regular-season success isn’t just about star power. It’s about building something sustainable, piece by piece. Sure, having a guy like Jokic (the MVP that year, by the way) helps, but teams like Phoenix and Miami proved that unity and process trump individual brilliance more often than not. So, as we gear up for another season, I’ll keep this NBA 2021 Standing Analysis: Breaking Down Each Team's Final Position and Playoff Chances in mind—it’s a reminder that the standings tell more than just wins and losses; they reveal who truly learned to play as one.