Looking at the 2018 NBA standings, one can easily see the dominance of certain teams and the struggles of others. The Golden State Warriors, with a record of 58-24, stood out in the Western Conference. They consistently put up high scoring games, averaging 113.5 points per game. This high offensive output was powered by the likes of Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant, who themselves averaged 26.4 and 26.0 points per game respectively.
On the other side of the spectrum, the Phoenix Suns had a dismal season, finishing with a record of 21-61. They faced defensive struggles throughout the season, giving up an average of 113.3 points per game. Despite possessing the talents of Devin Booker, who averaged 24.9 points per game, they couldn’t convert individual brilliance into team success.
Over in the Eastern Conference, the Toronto Raptors clinched the top spot with a 59-23 record. Their success was not just about offense but also their defensive efficiency, allowing just 103.9 points per game. Behind their strong season was the emergence of DeMar DeRozan, who averaged 23 points per game and Kyle Lowry with 16.2 points per game. This dynamic duo led the Raptors to several key victories.
The Boston Celtics, finishing 2nd in the East with a record of 55-27, showcased resilience throughout the season. They had to cope without their star player, Gordon Hayward, who suffered a season-ending injury in the very first game. Nevertheless, Kyrie Irving and Al Horford stepped up, guiding the team through challenging times. Irving averaged 24.4 points per game before a knee injury sidelined him late in the season.
LeBron James, despite the Cleveland Cavaliers’ relatively mediocre record of 50-32, had an outstanding season. He played all 82 games, putting up 27.5 points, 9.1 assists, and 8.6 rebounds on average per game. His near triple-double average carried the Cavs to important wins, demonstrating why he is often debated as one of the all-time greats.
The Houston Rockets were the surprise package, surpassing many expectations by finishing with a league-best 65-17 record. Their success can largely be attributed to MVP James Harden, who averaged 30.4 points and 8.8 assists per game. Chris Paul’s addition to the team created a formidable backcourt tandem that continuously overwhelmed opponents.
In terms of playoff qualification, eight teams from each conference made it to the postseason. The Western Conference saw teams like the Warriors, Rockets, and Trail Blazers making it, while the Eastern Conference included the Raptors, Celtics, and Cavaliers. The playoff picture, therefore, was setting up for some exciting matchups.
Interestingly, the Minnesota Timberwolves made the playoffs for the first time since 2004 with a record of 47-35. Their key players, Karl-Anthony Towns and Jimmy Butler, played crucial roles. Towns averaged 21.3 points and 12.3 rebounds per game, while Butler contributed significantly with 22.2 points per game. Fans and analysts alike saw this as a major step forward for the franchise.
One of the most dramatic moments of the season involved the Oklahoma City Thunder. With stars like Russell Westbrook, Paul George, and Carmelo Anthony, expectations were high. Yet, they finished with a somewhat disappointing 48-34 record, just managing to secure a playoff spot. Westbrook, however, made NBA history by averaging a triple-double for the second consecutive season with 25.4 points, 10.3 assists, and 10.1 rebounds per game.
The impact of trades and injuries also played a crucial role in shaping the standings. For example, the blockbuster trade sending Isaiah Thomas to the Lakers and bringing Jordan Clarkson and Larry Nance Jr. to the Cavaliers was a key midseason move. The reshuffling in Cleveland aimed to strengthen their playoff chances, and while it brought mixed results during the regular season, it later proved beneficial in the playoffs.
The season wasn’t without its off-court drama as well. The infamous spat between Kevin Durant and Draymond Green in November caught significant media attention, although it didn’t derail the Warriors’ quest for another title. This incident highlighted the intense personalities and dynamics within a championship-caliber team.
Another interesting aspect was the emergence of the Philadelphia 76ers as a legitimate force in the East. They finished with a 52-30 record, marking their first 50-win season since 2001. The youth and energy brought by Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons played a massive part in their rise. Embiid averaged 22.9 points and 11 rebounds per game, while Simmons put up 15.8 points, 8.2 assists, and 8.1 rebounds, often flirting with triple-doubles.
To wrap up the season’s highlights, the standout performances, remarkable on-court battles, and dramatic narratives off the court made the 2018 NBA season unforgettable. You can explore more about the 2018 NBA standings at 2018 nba standings.