The 2021 NBA season has been a roller coaster ride filled with unexpected shifts and intense competition. With teams battling it out for success, every game matters. It's a season featuring top-tier players showcasing their elite skills, and significant data points reflect the dynamic changes happening in the league.
Leading the Eastern Conference, the Brooklyn Nets are dominating with a strong win-loss record. With star players like Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving, their chances of making it deep into the playoffs appear robust. The team's offense efficiency, averaging 117.3 points per 100 possessions, stands out powerfully. To give you an idea, most teams struggle to even approach the 110 marks in such a metric.
Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Bucks maintain their position as a formidable contender. Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to impress, putting up spectacular numbers like 28.1 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game. Giannis’ PER (Player Efficiency Rating) of 29.2 further highlights his impact. Just for context, anything above 25 is considered MVP-level performance.
On the defensive side, the Philadelphia 76ers lead with an impressive defensive rating. Their ability to maintain a top-five position defensively, allowing just 107.0 points per 100 possessions, makes them serious contenders for the title. Joel Embiid’s presence in the paint and Ben Simmons' versatile defensive play contribute significantly to this impressive stat line.
Furthermore, the Phoenix Suns have been a revelation in the Western Conference. With a record of 51-21, their rise has been nothing short of spectacular. Chris Paul’s leadership and Devin Booker’s scoring prowess have transformed the Suns into a powerhouse. Their offensive rating of 116.1 and defensive rating of 111.3 depict a balanced team capable of challenging top-tier opponents.
The Los Angeles Lakers, despite injury woes plaguing their season, are still in the mix. With LeBron James and Anthony Davis missing significant time, the team's performance dipped slightly, reflected in their standing of 7th in the West. Even so, their defensive rating remained elite, at 106.8. It's a testament to their depth and defensive schemes, which have allowed them to stay competitive even in challenging circumstances.
Golden State Warriors saw a resurgence thanks to Stephen Curry’s spectacular season. Curry averaged 32.0 points per game, leading the league in scoring, reminiscent of his MVP seasons. His shooting efficiency, with a true shooting percentage (TS%) of 65.5%, makes his performance even more remarkable. Considering the league average TS% is around 55, Curry's numbers are indeed exceptional.
Out East, we cannot ignore the resurgence of the Atlanta Hawks. Under the guidance of Nate McMillan, they finished the regular season with a 41-31 record. Trae Young’s playmaking and scoring, alongside Clint Capela’s rebounding dominance (14.3 rebounds per game, leading the league), have been instrumental. Their improvement in defensive efficiency from last season also speaks volumes about the team’s growth.
Memphis Grizzlies, spearheaded by Ja Morant, managed to clinch the final playoff spot in the West through the play-in tournament. Morant’s explosive play, with 19.1 points and 7.4 assists per game, drove the Grizzlies forward. Their fast-paced playing style, averaging 100.4 possessions per game, showcases a team willing to push the tempo and take the game to their opponents.
Boston Celtics had a challenging season, finishing with a 36-36 record. Jayson Tatum’s rise as a dominant scorer, averaging 26.4 points per game, was a highlight. Nevertheless, inconsistencies combined with injuries to key players like Jaylen Brown hampered their progress. Their net rating of +1.3 indicates they could compete at a high level but lacked the consistency to challenge top teams.
Across the board, the 2021 NBA season demonstrated the significance of both offensive and defensive efficiency. Teams with balanced approaches, robust star performances, and significant data metrics, such as PER and TS%, tended to do better. Individual performances, like those of Giannis, Curry, and Tatum, stood out, showcasing the league's rich talent pool. The standings reflect the strategic, physical, and mental battles teams endured throughout such a uniquely challenging season.