Breaking Down the Surprises in the NBA Latest Standing 2021

Looking at the latest NBA standings from the 2021 season, I couldn’t help but notice several surprises that kept fans on their toes. The most unexpected change came from the New York Knicks, who finished 4th in the Eastern Conference with a 41-31 record. This marks the first time since 2013 that they made it to the playoffs. I’d say Tom Thibodeau’s coaching made a significant difference, but the numbers speak for themselves. Julius Randle, who averaged 24.1 points and 10.2 rebounds per game, really stood out. The team’s defensive efficiency also impressed me, ranking 4th in the league, which is a giant leap from the previous seasons.

Another team that caught my eye was the Phoenix Suns. With a 51-21 record, they clinched the 2nd spot in the Western Conference. Chris Paul’s arrival had a significant impact, leading this young team to success. In the previous season, they ended 10th, so moving up by such a margin is impressive. The Suns had an offensive rating of 117, which was 5th in the league. I mean, Devin Booker’s scoring prowess combined with Paul’s playmaking, who averaged 8.9 assists per game, definitely gave them an edge.

Who would have thought the Atlanta Hawks would finish 5th in the East with a 41-31 record? Trae Young’s leadership and the mid-season coaching change to Nate McMillan turned things around. Their team chemistry seemed impeccable, especially in the latter part of the season, going 27-11 under McMillan. One can’t ignore Clint Capela leading the league in rebounds, averaging 14.3 per game. This gave the Hawks a significant advantage on the boards, often translating to extra possessions.

On the other hand, the Los Angeles Lakers’ season had its fair share of struggles. Finishing 7th in the Western Conference with a 42-30 record was quite surprising. Injuries plagued the team, with LeBron James and Anthony Davis missing a combined 63 games. Even with these setbacks, the Lakers had the best defensive rating in the NBA at 106.8. Despite their defensive strength, the inconsistency without their star players hurt their standings.

The Boston Celtics also had an underwhelming season, landing in the 7th position of the Eastern Conference with a 36-36 record. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown did their best, but the team couldn’t maintain momentum. They struggled with injuries too, including Brown’s season-ending wrist surgery. Their net rating was a mediocre 0.4, indicating they couldn’t consistently outperform opponents.

The Utah Jazz, with a 52-20 record, took the top spot in the Western Conference, which wasn’t something many predicted. Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert formed a formidable duo. Donovan averaged 26.4 points per game, while Rudy dominated the paint with 13.5 rebounds and 2.7 blocks per game. The Jazz had the highest net rating at 9.0, reflecting their dominance on both ends of the court. Their ability to spread the floor and shoot threes (an average of 16.7 threes per game) made them difficult to stop.

Seeing the Golden State Warriors finish 8th in the West with a 39-33 record was a bit of a rollercoaster. Stephen Curry had an MVP-level season, averaging 32.0 points per game, leading the NBA in scoring. However, inconsistencies plagued the team, partly due to Klay Thompson’s absence. They had moments of brilliance, but the overall lack of depth and experience was noticeable. Their offensive rating wasn’t as high as previous years, lying at 111.8, making it hard for them to dominate games.

I can’t forget to mention how the Brooklyn Nets took the 2nd spot in the Eastern Conference with a 48-24 record. The superteam of Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden showed glimpses of their potential when they played together. They posted an offensive rating of 117.3, the best in the league, showing their firepower. However, their combined games due to injuries and load management only totaled 202, which caused chemistry issues at times.

Another shock for me was the rise of the Memphis Grizzlies to the 8th position in the Western Conference with a 38-34 record. Ja Morant’s explosive performance, especially in the play-in tournament, highlighted his potential. While they weren’t the most efficient team offensively, their grit and determination, especially on defense, allowed them to eke out important wins. Jonas Valančiūnas’ presence in the paint, averaging 12.5 rebounds, was crucial for their defensive schemes.

My final note must go to the rise of the Charlotte Hornets making it to the play-in tournament with a 33-39 record. Rookie LaMelo Ball’s impact cannot be understated, averaging 15.7 points and 6.1 assists. His injury did halt their momentum, but they still managed to stay competitive. Gordon Hayward also displayed solid performances, but injuries limited his contributions to just 44 games.

To follow the amazing journey and fluctuations in the standings, check out this link: nba latest standing 2021 and keep yourself updated!

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