NBA 2020-2021 Standings: Which Teams Dominated the Regular Season?

Looking back at the 2020-2021 NBA season, I still get chills thinking about how unpredictable it was. As someone who’s followed the league for over a decade, I’ve rarely seen a regular season with so many twists and turns—and I’m not just saying that. The condensed schedule, health protocols, and empty arenas created a unique environment where resilience mattered just as much as talent. Teams that adapted quickly rose to the top, while others, well, they just couldn’t keep up. I remember watching game after game, often late into the night, and thinking how this season would separate the contenders from the pretenders in the most dramatic fashion.

When we talk about dominance in the regular season, it’s impossible not to start with the Utah Jazz and the Philadelphia 76ers. Both teams finished with identical 49-23 records, leading their respective conferences. The Jazz, in particular, caught my eye with their fluid ball movement and defensive discipline. Donovan Mitchell’s growth as a leader was palpable, and Rudy Gobert? He was an absolute force in the paint. On the East side, Joel Embiid put together an MVP-caliber season, carrying the Sixers through stretches where they looked vulnerable. I’ve always been a bit skeptical about Philly’s consistency, but this year, they proved me wrong—at least until the playoffs rolled around.

Then there were the pleasant surprises, like the Phoenix Suns. Finishing second in the West with a 51-21 record, they were a joy to watch. Chris Paul’s arrival transformed that team, and Devin Booker’s scoring prowess felt more impactful than ever. I’ll admit, I didn’t see them coming. Early in the season, I had them pegged as a playoff bubble team, but they silenced doubters—myself included—with their crisp execution and clutch performances. On the flip side, the Lakers and Nets, despite their star power, dealt with significant injuries that kept them from topping the standings. As much as I love watching superstars, this season reminded me that depth and health often trump talent alone.

Speaking of depth, the middle of the pack was where things got really interesting. Teams like the Dallas Mavericks and the Portland Trail Blazers fought tooth and nail for positioning, and every game felt like a must-win. Luka Dončić’s triple-doubles became almost routine, and Damian Lillard’s deep threes? Pure magic. But what stood out to me was how international talent shaped the league. Nikola Jokić, who won MVP, carried the Denver Nuggets with a historic season, averaging 26.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 8.3 assists. Those numbers still blow my mind. It’s not often you see a center facilitating offense like that.

Now, shifting focus a bit, I can’t help but draw parallels to other leagues where resilience defines success. Take the PBA, for example. I came across a snippet about Meralco finishing their elimination round at 6-5, and it got me thinking—consistency, even in small doses, can make all the difference. In the NBA, the difference between a top seed and a play-in team sometimes came down to just a handful of games. The Golden State Warriors, for instance, ended at 39-33, and Stephen Curry’s scoring title wasn’t enough to lift them higher. I remember arguing with friends about whether they’d crack the top four; sadly, they fell short, but Curry’s brilliance was a season-long highlight.

As the regular season wrapped up, it was clear that teamwork and adaptability were the real MVPs. The Brooklyn Nets, with their Big Three, only played a handful of games together, yet they secured the second seed in the East. That says a lot about their role players stepping up. On the other hand, the Milwaukee Bucks, with Giannis Antetokounmpo leading the charge, quietly put together another strong campaign, going 46-26. I’ve always been a fan of Giannis, and his relentless drive is something I admire, even if his jump shot still needs work. It’s these personal biases that make following the standings so engaging—you root for certain narratives to unfold.

In the end, the 2020-2021 NBA regular season was a testament to survival and strategy. The standings didn’t just reflect talent; they highlighted which organizations could navigate a pandemic-altered landscape. From the Jazz’s rise to the Suns’ resurgence, each team’s journey offered lessons in perseverance. As I look ahead, I’m excited to see how these trends evolve, but I’ll always remember this season as one where the underdogs had their moment, and the giants were kept on their toes. If there’s one takeaway, it’s that in basketball, as in life, staying power often outweighs flashy moments.