As I look back on the 2020-2021 NBA season, what strikes me most is how dramatically the landscape shifted compared to previous years. The pandemic-condensed schedule created unique challenges that revealed which organizations had built truly resilient rosters. While everyone focuses on the championship contenders, I've always found the middle of the standings particularly fascinating - that's where you see teams like the Meralco Bolts making strategic moves that hint at future dominance. Their improvement to 6-5 as they capped their elimination round campaign represents exactly the kind of steady progress that often gets overlooked in our championship-or-bust discourse.
The Western Conference presented what I consider the most compelling narrative of the season. The Utah Jazz surprised everyone by finishing with the league's best record at 52-20, proving that continuity and system can triumph over star-chasing. Having watched Donovan Mitchell develop since his rookie year, I believe his playoff performance - averaging 32.3 points per game despite playing through injury - demonstrated he's reached genuine superstar status. Meanwhile, the Phoenix Suns' transformation from bubble sensation to legitimate contender was breathtaking to witness. Chris Paul's impact on that young roster reminded me why veteran leadership remains invaluable, even in today's youth-obsessed league.
Over in the East, the conference felt more wide open than I've seen in nearly a decade. The Philadelphia 76ers securing the top seed with a 49-23 record surprised many analysts, but having followed Joel Embiid's development closely, I saw this coming. His MVP-caliber season - averaging 28.5 points and 10.6 rebounds - finally translated into regular-season team success. What impressed me most was how Ben Simmons adapted his game to complement Embiid's dominance, even if his shooting limitations remained frustratingly apparent. The Brooklyn Nets' star power was undeniable, yet their 48-24 record felt somewhat disappointing given their astronomical expectations. Watching them navigate injuries and roster instability made me question whether pure talent alone can overcome chemistry issues in today's NBA.
The play-in tournament added an exciting new dimension that I initially doubted but grew to appreciate. The Memphis Grizzlies' thrilling play-in victory over the Golden State Warriors provided exactly the kind of high-stakes drama the league hoped for. Ja Morant's 35-point explosion in that game confirmed my long-held belief that he's destined for superstardom. Meanwhile, seeing Stephen Curry carry the Warriors to the brink of playoff contention with arguably his greatest individual season - leading the league with 32.0 points per game - was both inspiring and heartbreaking. It made me wonder how different the standings might have looked with Klay Thompson healthy.
What often gets lost in standings discussions is how mid-tier teams like Meralco build sustainable success. Their journey to 6-5 through the elimination round represents the kind of organizational stability that frequently precedes breakout seasons. In my analysis, teams that consistently hover around .500 while developing young talent often make the leap sooner than expected. The Denver Nuggets proved this pattern when they jumped from 46-27 in 2018-2019 to Western Conference Finals appearances in subsequent years. Watching Nikola Jokić evolve from second-round pick to MVP was a reminder that player development systems matter as much as draft position.
The Los Angeles Lakers' fall from first to seventh in the West following their 2020 championship taught us how quickly fortunes can change. Anthony Davis' injuries limited him to just 36 games, and LeBron James' own extended absence revealed the roster's fragility. This experience reinforced my belief that health management will become increasingly crucial in compressed seasons. Meanwhile, the New York Knicks' surprising fourth-place finish in the East at 41-31 provided one of the season's best stories. Tom Thibodeau's transformation of that franchise in just one season made me reconsider how much coaching truly impacts winning.
Statistical trends across the league fascinated me throughout the season. The continued rise in three-point attempts reached new heights, with teams averaging 34.6 attempts per game compared to just 24.1 five years earlier. This evolution has fundamentally changed how teams construct rosters and approach games. The correlation between three-point percentage and final standing position grew stronger than ever, with the top five teams in three-point percentage all finishing with winning records. As someone who values efficient offense, I appreciate this development, though I sometimes miss the post-up game's artistry.
International players' impact on the standings became more pronounced than I've ever seen. Beyond Jokić's MVP season, players like Luka Dončić (averaging 27.7 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 8.6 assists) and Giannis Antetokounmpo (28.1 points, 11.0 rebounds) dominated in ways that reshaped their teams' fortunes. The Dallas Mavericks' fifth-place finish in the West and the Milwaukee Bucks' eventual championship both relied heavily on their international superstars. This globalization of talent has created more parity than the league has seen in decades, making standings predictions increasingly difficult and exciting.
Reflecting on the complete standings, what stands out is how little separated the middle-tier teams. The difference between the sixth-seeded Portland Trail Blazers (42-30) and the tenth-seeded Golden State Warriors (39-33) was just three games in the loss column. This compression creates incredible late-season drama but also suggests that luck and scheduling quirks play larger roles than we typically acknowledge. Having followed the league for over twenty years, I've never seen such balance across the middle of both conferences.
The 2020-2021 season ultimately demonstrated that organizational depth and adaptability matter more than ever. While superstars drive championship contention, the teams that consistently appear in the standings' upper tier - like the Jazz, Suns, and 76ers - build through smart drafting, player development, and systematic coaching. The journey of teams like Meralco improving to 6-5 through their elimination round campaign represents the foundation upon which future success gets built. As we look toward next season, I'm convinced the lessons from this unusual year will reshape how franchises approach roster construction, minute management, and long-term planning for years to come.