So, you want to dive into the final standings for the 2022-23 NBA season, huh? Buckle up because it's been a rollercoaster of a year. Starting with the Eastern Conference, the Milwaukee Bucks dominated and ended the regular season with an impressive win rate of nearly 70%. With Giannis Antetokounmpo putting up MVP-level stats, leading the league in points and possibly securing his third MVP award, no one should be surprised. His stellar performance had fans reminiscing about Kobe Bryant’s remarkable 2008 season.
On the other side, the Boston Celtics finished close behind with only a few games separating them. Thanks to Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, who both averaged over 25 points per game, Celtics fans finally had something to cheer about after their 2008 championship run. Boston had an effective field goal percentage (eFG%) hovering around 55%, showing their offensive efficiency.
Meanwhile, the Philadelphia 76ers hung tight in the third spot. Joel Embiid had another monstrous season, leading the league in rebounds per game. Plus, they managed to keep their turnover rate under 13%, a significant improvement from last year. Kudos to their coach for maintaining a disciplined team.
As for the Miami Heat, they found themselves on the brink of the playoffs, finishing sixth. Despite Jimmy Butler's versatile skill set and Bam Adebayo's solid defensive play, they couldn't quite replicate the magic from their 2020 Finals run. With an ageing core and a salary cap that's getting tight, one wonders if it’s time for Miami to start a slight rebuild.
In the Western Conference, the Phoenix Suns reclaimed their dominance. Devin Booker and Chris Paul engineered an incredible run, leading the Suns to secure the top seed with a winning percentage north of 65%. Their team chemistry and tactical acumen were virtually unmatched in the conference.
The Golden State Warriors regained their former glory too. With Stephen Curry's innate shooting ability and Draymond Green's defense, they clinched the second seed. It felt like 2015 all over again, albeit with a few newer faces like Jordan Poole stepping up to the plate. Their shooting efficiency (true shooting percentage, or TS%) was an astounding 58%, making it clear that the splash brothers were back.
The Memphis Grizzlies also made some noise this year. Under the leadership of Ja Morant, they secured a strong playoff position. Ja’s highlight reel dunks and clutch performances brought back memories of Allen Iverson's impact in the early 2000s. Memphis has built an excellent core and, with some luck, could make a deep playoff run.
Coming to the Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron James had yet another stellar season. Even at the age of 38, he averaged close to a triple-double, leading the Lakers into the postseason race. However, inconsistent performances from role players hindered them. Their coaching staff must address the defensive inefficiencies if they want to contend next season.
Now, you might be wondering about the other teams that missed the playoffs or underperformed. For instance, the Sacramento Kings once again couldn’t break their playoff drought, extending it to over 17 years. It’s disappointing, considering De'Aaron Fox was in prime form, yet their defensive rating plummeted to one of the worst in the league.
Let’s not forget the perennial underdog stories. The Cleveland Cavaliers, despite being looked over, secured a decent position in the standings. Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen became the backbone, pushing through rigorous regular-season campaigns.
It's worth noting that the final standings also fueled trade rumors and speculation. Teams out of playoff contention, like the Indiana Pacers and Orlando Magic, are in the tanking phase and eyeing high draft picks. When you look at the league's history, such as the San Antonio Spurs landing Tim Duncan, you realize how high draft picks can dramatically alter a franchise’s future.
Overall, the stage is set for a compelling playoff season. With so many interesting storylines and competitive teams, NBA fans have much to look forward to. If you want the complete breakdown of the final standings, you can check it out nba standing 2022-23.