The 2020 NBA season brought many unexpected twists and turns, but the standings, as always, reflected the raw competition and grit displayed by the teams. This season, the Los Angeles Lakers dominated the Western Conference, ending with a 52-19 win-loss record. LeBron James, at 35 years old, showed why he's still one of the best in the league, averaging 25.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, and a league-leading 10.2 assists per game. Anthony Davis, his formidable teammate, contributed significantly as well with averages of 26.1 points and 9.3 rebounds per game.
In the Eastern Conference, the Milwaukee Bucks stood out with the best overall record in the league, 56-17. Giannis Antetokounmpo had an MVP-caliber season, averaging 29.5 points, 13.6 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game. His performances often drew comparisons to legends, and many fans believed he proved his status as one of the elite. The Bucks' efficiency on both ends of the court was unparalleled, as they boasted the highest net rating in the NBA, 9.4 points per 100 possessions.
Boston Celtics, one of the storied franchises in NBA history, finished third in the Eastern Conference with a 48-24 record. Jayson Tatum emerged as a potential future MVP candidate; at just 22 years old, he averaged 23.4 points and 7.0 rebounds per game. The team's defensive rating, 106.5, was among the best in the league, showcasing their ability to grind out close games.
One notable surprise came from the Miami Heat, who, despite finishing fifth in the East with a 44-28 record, made a deep playoff run that brought them to the NBA Finals. Jimmy Butler led the charge, averaging 19.9 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 6.0 assists during the regular season. In the playoffs, his performance reached another level, silencing critics and solidifying his reputation as a legitimate superstar. The team’s development of young players like Tyler Herro was crucial, as was the midseason acquisition of Andre Iguodala, a three-time NBA champion, which bolstered their defense and experience.
In the Western Conference, the Denver Nuggets turned heads by overcoming two consecutive 3-1 series deficits in the playoffs. Nikola Jokić, often compared to legendary centers like Hakeem Olajuwon due to his versatile skill set, averaged 19.9 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 7.0 assists. Jamal Murray, his dynamic counterpart, had several breakout performances, solidifying Denver as a team to watch moving forward. Their regular season record of 46-27 underscored their resilience and depth.
The Houston Rockets opted for a small-ball lineup after trading center Clint Capela, shifting their strategy significantly. James Harden, the leading scorer that season with 34.3 points per game, and Russell Westbrook, who averaged 27.2 points, created a dynamic backcourt. This approach, however, was met with mixed results, as evidenced by their 44-28 record. Their offensive rating, 113.4, highlighted their capability on one end, while their defensive struggles often held them back in crucial moments.
Over in Toronto, the defending champions, the Raptors, played without Kawhi Leonard but still managed an admirable 53-19 record. Pascal Siakam stepped up, averaging 22.9 points and 7.3 rebounds per game. The team’s defensive prowess, with a rating of 104.7, was a testament to their commitment and coaching under Nick Nurse. Many believed that their ability to maintain such a high level of play post-Kawhi underscored their team-oriented approach and depth.
The Oklahoma City Thunder surprised many by securing the fifth spot in the West with a 44-28 record. Chris Paul, often discussed as one of the best point guards of all time, led the team with 17.6 points and 6.7 assists per game. His leadership and clutch performances were pivotal in guiding a young team that many experts had predicted to miss the playoffs altogether.
Utah Jazz, led by Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert, finished with a 44-28 record. Mitchell’s scoring ability, averaging 24.0 points per game, paired with Gobert’s defensive contributions, including his 13.5 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per game, made them a formidable duo. Despite a strong regular season showing, their inconsistency in the playoffs drew attention to areas needing improvement.
Lastly, the Indiana Pacers managed a solid 45-28 record despite injuries to key players like Victor Oladipo. Domantas Sabonis had a breakout year, averaging 18.5 points and 12.4 rebounds. Their ability to stay competitive without their star showed the depth and development within the organization.
For detailed standings and more, check out the nba standings 2020.