So, looking back at 2018, it’s clear how the NBA standings shaped the playoffs in significant ways. In the Eastern Conference, the Toronto Raptors clinched the number one seed for the first time in franchise history with a 59-23 record. That fact alone shows how dominant they were, outpacing their competitors not just in wins but with their defensive efficiency and offensive output.
The Boston Celtics came in strong, finishing with a 55-27 record even though their star player, Kyrie Irving, missed the postseason due to knee surgery. What’s remarkable is how well they filled in the gaps. Jayson Tatum, a rookie at the time, and Jaylen Brown, still very young, elevated their games, showing poise well beyond their years. Jaylen averaged around 18 points per game during the playoffs, an incredible jump from his regular season average.
Cleveland Cavaliers, led by LeBron James, found themselves in the fourth seed with a 50-32 record. Now, this wasn’t indicative of how dangerous they were. LeBron, in his 15th season, defied age, putting up a Herculean effort throughout the playoffs, averaging almost 34 points per game. Let’s not forget his buzzer-beater against the Indiana Pacers in Game 5 of the first round which solidified his status as a clutch performer.
The Western Conference was even more competitive. Houston Rockets secured the top seed with a franchise-best 65-17 record, driven by the MVP performance of James Harden. Harden averaged 30.4 points per game during the regular season, combining with Chris Paul to create a virtually unstoppable backcourt duo. Their leading offensive rating made them heavy favorites.
Golden State Warriors, with a 58-24 record, captured the second seed. Despite dealing with injuries towards the end of the season, including issues sidelining Stephen Curry, they were a different team once the playoffs began. Kevin Durant stepped up, and the ‘Splash Brothers’ reestablished their dominance in the crucial moments. I still remember how Curry returned in Round 2 against the New Orleans Pelicans and immediately made his impact felt, shooting over 40% from beyond the arc.
It’s essential to note how some teams that just made the cut had notable impacts. For instance, the Utah Jazz ended with a 48-34 record, taking the fifth position in the West. Rudy Gobert proved himself as a defensive powerhouse, leading the Jazz to upset the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round. Donovan Mitchell, a rookie, averaged an astounding 28.5 points in that series, outperforming seasoned veterans.
In contrast, the Portland Trail Blazers who clinched the third spot in the West with a 49-33 record were swept in the first round by the sixth-seeded New Orleans Pelicans, a team led by Anthony Davis who averaged 33 points and 11.8 rebounds in that series. That kind of unexpected result illustrates the unpredictable nature of the postseason.
What intrigued me most about that season was how regular season standings sometimes didn’t reflect the full potential or challenges teams would face in the playoffs. The Philadelphia 76ers achieved the third seed in the East with a 52-30 record, due in large part to Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid’s performances. Their youthful energy and dynamic play led to a 4-1 series win over the Miami Heat in the first round.
Moreover, the eighth-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves returned to the playoffs for the first time since 2004, though they exited in the first round. This was significant for their fans who had been waiting through cycles of rebuilding and mediocrity. Seeing Karl-Anthony Towns in the postseason finally was an encouraging sign for the future, despite their 4-1 loss to the Rockets.
The importance of seeding is no minor detail. Teams that earn top spots don’t just get home-court advantage; they also receive favorable matchups. In 2018, favorability didn’t always translate into victories but still provided those teams with initial boosts. The top seeds like Toronto and Houston had clear paths initially even if they stumbled later.
In the end, the Golden State Warriors claimed their third championship in four years. They swept the Cavaliers in the Finals, showcasing the vast gap in firepower between them and other teams. Despite the Cavs being lower in the standings, LeBron James had the most remarkable run, playing over 40 minutes per game at age 33.
For those looking to understand the dynamics and implications of that season fully, a good resource to consult is the 2018 nba standings page. You’ll see how wins and losses translated to the high-stakes environment of the playoffs and shaped legacies.
Each year, the standings set the stage. In 2018, they did more than that; they foreshadowed an intensely competitive and unforgettable postseason that gave us numerous memorable performances and incredible moments.