The 2021-2022 NBA season was nothing short of spectacular, with teams battling fiercely for the top spots. The Eastern Conference saw the Miami Heat clinch the number one seed, finishing with an impressive 53-29 record. Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo played pivotal roles, both averaging over 20 points per game. In terms of efficiency, the Heat demonstrated remarkable defensive prowess, holding opponents to just 105.6 points per game, one of the lowest in the league.
In the Western Conference, the Phoenix Suns dominated, recording a league-best 64-18. This extraordinary performance saw Chris Paul and Devin Booker leading the charge. Paul, at the age of 36, defied age-related expectations by averaging 10.8 assists per game, showcasing his playmaking abilities. The Suns' offensive rating of 114.2 highlighted their scoring efficiency and ability to perform under pressure.
Historically, this season was significant for the Golden State Warriors, who finished third in the Western Conference with a 53-29 record. Klay Thompson made his much-anticipated return after missing two full seasons due to injury. His comeback was a game-changer for the Warriors, with Thompson averaging 20.4 points per game and shooting 38.5% from beyond the arc. These statistics not only boosted the team's morale but also their overall performance, culminating in yet another playoff run.
One of the most talked-about events was the emergence of the Memphis Grizzlies as a formidable force in the Western Conference. They ended the season with a 56-26 record, the second-best in the conference. Ja Morant led the team with spectacular performances, ranking 6th in the league in scoring, with 27.4 points per game. The Grizzlies' high-tempo offense, averaging 115.6 points per game, made them one of the most entertaining teams to watch.
The Chicago Bulls finally saw a resurgence, finishing sixth in the Eastern Conference with a 46-36 record. DeMar DeRozan had a career season, averaging 27.9 points per game, which put him 5th in the scoring charts. Partnered with Zach LaVine, who contributed 24.4 points per game, the Bulls' dynamic duo gave fans hope for a deep playoff run.
Defending champions the Milwaukee Bucks had a strong season, finishing third in the Eastern Conference with a 51-31 record. Giannis Antetokounmpo maintained his MVP-caliber performance, averaging 29.9 points and 11.6 rebounds per game. The Bucks' 113.9 offensive rating and impressive 36.6% team three-point shooting underline their balanced attack, both inside the paint and on the perimeter.
In terms of disappointments, the Los Angeles Lakers were the most notable. Despite having a star-studded lineup featuring LeBron James and Anthony Davis, they ended up with a 33-49 record, missing the playoffs altogether. Injuries plagued the team, with Davis only featuring in 40 games, and even LeBron’s remarkable 30.3 points per game at the age of 37 couldn’t save their season. The team’s lack of defensive efficiency, allowing 115.1 points per game, was a glaring issue that they were unable to resolve.
Luka Dončić continued to impress, leading the Dallas Mavericks to a 52-30 record and a fourth-place finish in the Western Conference. Luka's all-around game was on full display; he averaged 28.4 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 8.7 assists per game. These numbers solidify his status as one of the premier talents in the league. His ability to drive the team’s offense is underscored by their offensive rating of 112.5.
The Brooklyn Nets had a roller-coaster season, finishing seventh in the Eastern Conference with a 44-38 record. Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving were often the talk of sports news, especially with Irving missing a significant number of games due to COVID-19 vaccination issues. Nevertheless, Durant’s 29.9 points per game kept the Nets competitive throughout the season.
One cannot overlook the Boston Celtics' turnaround mid-season. After a rocky start, they finished second in the Eastern Conference with a 51-31 record. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown spearheaded the team’s offense, while the Celtics boasted the league’s best defensive rating at 106.2. Their ability to stifle opponents was a key factor in their success, making them a formidable playoff contender.
The young Cleveland Cavaliers also deserve mention, proving themselves as one of the most promising teams with a 44-38 finish, securing the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference. Darius Garland emerged as a leader, posting 21.7 points and 8.6 assists per game. Their surprise entry into the playoffs underscores the significant progress they’ve made.
Click nba standings 2021 to 2022 to view the full standings.