The 2022 NBA season had some electrifying moments and surprising standings. The Phoenix Suns stood out by finishing first in the Western Conference with an impressive record of 64-18, which translates to a winning percentage of 78%. This performance marked one of their best seasons in franchise history, showcasing their dominance and efficiency.
On the other hand, the Golden State Warriors had quite a season, ending up third in the West with a 53-29 record. Considering they missed the playoffs the previous year, this improvement demonstrated their competitive spirit and effective use of their core roster. Stephen Curry once again proved why he is one of the best in the business, averaging over 25 points per game throughout the season, solidifying his position among the greats.
In the Eastern Conference, the Miami Heat secured the top spot with a 53-29 record. The team’s well-rounded approach combined with the standout performances of Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo helped them clinch this position. The Milwaukee Bucks, reigning champions at the time, were close behind with a 51-31 record, thanks largely to Giannis Antetokounmpo’s consistent play, averaging nearly 30 points per game.
The Brooklyn Nets had a rollercoaster season, finishing seventh in the East with a 44-38 record. The inconsistent availability of key players like Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving played a significant role in their standings. However, when Durant was on the court, his impact was monumental, offering both high efficiency and leadership that the team desperately needed.
Surprisingly, the Los Angeles Lakers failed to make it to the playoffs for the second time in four years. With a record of 33-49, despite having stars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the team's struggles with injuries and a lack of chemistry were evident. LeBron James, nonetheless, managed to average 30.3 points per game, but this was not enough to lift the team out of its slump.
A bright spot in the season was the Memphis Grizzlies, who finished second in the Western Conference with 56 wins and 26 losses. Ja Morant’s breakout year was a key factor in their success, as he averaged 27.4 points per game and was a catalyst for the team’s dynamic offense. His performance earned him the NBA Most Improved Player award, which was well-deserved given his impact on the team's performance.
The Chicago Bulls made a notable return to relevance by finishing sixth in the East with a 46-36 record. The additions of DeMar DeRozan and Lonzo Ball bolstered the team's lineup significantly, making them a formidable contender. DeRozan, in particular, had some clutch moments throughout the season, earning him a spot in the MVP conversation.
Over in the Western Conference, the Dallas Mavericks, led by Luka Dončić, clinched the fourth spot with a 52-30 record. Dončić’s extraordinary playmaking ability and scoring prowess at just 23 years of age were instrumental in the team's performance. His average of 28.4 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 8.7 assists per game showcased his all-around talent, making him one of the most exciting players to watch.
Meanwhile, the Toronto Raptors secured fifth place in the East with a 48-34 record, bouncing back after a disappointing previous season. Pascal Siakam returned to his All-Star form, and the team’s solid defensive schemes and efficient offense allowed them to remain competitive throughout the season.
The Denver Nuggets finished sixth in the Western Conference, with Nikola Jokić delivering yet another MVP-caliber season. He averaged 27.1 points, 13.8 rebounds, and 7.9 assists per game, making a strong case for back-to-back MVP awards. His versatility and leadership were key in navigating the team through a season plagued with injuries to other key players.
In the East, the Boston Celtics ended the season on a high note, securing the second spot with a 51-31 record. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown formed a formidable duo, both averaging over 23 points per game. The team's strong finish to the regular season was a testament to their defensive improvements under coach Ime Udoka.
Lastly, the New Orleans Pelicans managed to sneak into the play-in tournament with a 36-46 record, showing some promise despite a challenging season. The mid-season acquisition of CJ McCollum and the anticipated return of Zion Williamson gave fans a glimpse of what the future could hold for the franchise.
This season was a rollercoaster of emotions, with teams overcoming challenges and players rising to new heights. Whether it was the dominance of the Suns or the resurgence of the Heat, NBA standings 2022 provided fans with plenty of excitement and storylines to follow.