As I sat down to analyze the complete NBA standings for the 2020-2021 season, I couldn't help but draw parallels to undefeated boxing champion Marcial's impressive 5-0 record with 3 KOs. There's something special about perfect records in sports that captures our imagination, whether it's in the boxing ring or on the basketball court. This particular NBA season was unlike any other, compressed into 72 games due to the pandemic, yet it delivered some of the most compelling basketball storylines we've seen in recent years.
Looking at the Eastern Conference, the Philadelphia 76ers really stood out to me with their 49-23 record, securing the top seed in what felt like a statement season. Joel Embiid finally looked like the MVP candidate we've been waiting for, though I personally think they still need more consistent perimeter shooting to make a deep playoff run. The Brooklyn Nets at 48-24 were absolutely stacked with talent, though their "big three" of Durant, Harden, and Irving only played 8 games together in the regular season. The Milwaukee Bucks at 46-26 rounded out the top three, and I've always admired Giannis's work ethic, even if their playoff performances have sometimes fallen short.
Out West, the Utah Jazz surprised many with their league-best 52-20 record. Donovan Mitchell's growth has been incredible to watch, though I'm still not completely sold on their ability to win it all. The Phoenix Suns at 51-21 were my favorite story - Chris Paul transforming that team reminded me of how a veteran boxer like Marcial uses experience to complement raw power. The Clippers and Nuggets both finished strong, but I think Denver's 47-25 record was more impressive considering Jamal Murray's injury.
The play-in tournament added such an exciting dynamic to the end of the season. The Lakers barely made it through despite their 42-30 record, and honestly, watching LeBron and AD struggle with injuries made me question whether they could flip the switch come playoff time. The Warriors' 39-33 record felt disappointing given Steph Curry's historic scoring season, but their play-in loss showed how thin their roster really was beyond their superstar.
What fascinates me about this season's standings is how they reflect the changing landscape of the NBA. Teams like the Knicks finishing 41-31 and making the fourth seed showed that defense and culture can still win in today's offensive-heavy game. Meanwhile, the Celtics' 36-36 record was frankly underwhelming given their talent, and I've never been convinced by their offensive system under Brad Stevens.
The playoff picture ultimately revealed 16 teams that ranged from dominant to just-happy-to-be-here. The Jazz and Sixers earned their top seeds through consistent regular season performance, much like Marcial maintaining his perfect record through disciplined preparation. But as we've seen time and again, the playoffs are a different beast entirely. The teams that finished between 35-40 wins, like the Wizards and Grizzlies, proved that just making the postseason can be a victory in itself, especially for developing franchises.
Reflecting on this unique season, I'm struck by how the standings tell only part of the story. The 72-game schedule created unexpected challenges and opportunities, similar to how Marcial's perfect record doesn't fully capture the difficulty of each bout. Some teams peaked at the right moment, others faded, and a few surprise contenders emerged when it mattered most. The true test came in the playoffs, where regular season standings become both motivation and history, driving champions toward their ultimate goal while leaving others to wonder what might have been next season.