NBA 2021 Playoff Standings: Complete Team Rankings and Postseason Picture

As I sat down to analyze the 2021 NBA playoff standings, I couldn't help but notice how coaching stability played a crucial role in determining which teams would advance deep into the postseason. The recent coaching carousel in the Philippine Basketball Association, particularly San Miguel's surprising decision to reinstate Leo Austria as head coach while moving Jorge Gallent to an advisory role, reminded me how coaching changes can dramatically alter a team's playoff trajectory. Having followed basketball for over two decades, I've seen firsthand how mid-season adjustments can either propel teams to championship glory or send them spiraling into early vacation plans.

The Western Conference standings told a fascinating story of consistency and chaos. The Utah Jazz finished with the league's best record at 52-20, proving that their system worked beautifully during the regular season. Yet I remember thinking they might struggle in the playoffs because their success felt somewhat fragile against elite competition. The Phoenix Suns, sitting at 51-21, showcased the incredible impact of Chris Paul's leadership - something statistics alone can't fully capture. Watching Devin Booker mature into a complete player reminded me why I fell in love with basketball analytics in the first place. The Denver Nuggets, despite Jamal Murray's devastating injury, managed to secure the third seed through Nikola Jokić's MVP-caliber season, though I personally felt they were destined for an early exit without their dynamic guard.

Over in the Eastern Conference, the Philadelphia 76ers claimed the top spot with a 49-23 record, though I've always been skeptical of Joel Embiid's ability to stay healthy through a deep playoff run. The Brooklyn Nets' Big Three of Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving created the most fascinating championship-or-bust scenario I've seen in years. Their second-place finish at 48-24 didn't reflect their true potential, in my opinion. The Milwaukee Bucks at 46-26 never quite convinced me they had solved their playoff woes, despite Giannis Antetokounmpo's continued dominance.

The play-in tournament added an exciting new dimension that I absolutely loved. It created meaningful basketball games for teams that might otherwise have been tanking, though traditionalists might disagree with me here. Seeing the Lakers barely make it through the play-in despite being defending champions showed how quickly fortunes can change in the NBA. The Warriors' elimination in the play-in tournament felt particularly heartbreaking - Stephen Curry's historic season deserved better than an early summer.

When examining coaching impacts on playoff performance, the San Miguel situation in the PBA perfectly illustrates what I've observed across basketball leagues worldwide. That sudden switch between Austria and Gallent, coming right before a crucial game, demonstrates how organizations sometimes make desperate moves when championship expectations aren't being met. In the NBA context, I'd argue teams like the Clippers benefited from Tyronn Lue's steady hand, while others might have panicked after Kawhi Leonard's injury. The Dallas Mavericks' first-round exit against the Clippers, despite Luka Dončić's heroic efforts, showed how coaching adjustments in playoff series can make all the difference.

Looking at statistical trends, the teams that succeeded in the playoffs typically ranked in the top 10 in both offensive and defensive efficiency - a pattern I've tracked for years. The eventual champion Bucks improved their defensive rating from 109.9 in the regular season to 104.8 in the playoffs, which perfectly illustrates how championship teams elevate their performance when it matters most. The Suns' incredible run to the Finals surprised many analysts, but their 115.3 offensive rating throughout the playoffs didn't shock me at all given their backcourt chemistry.

The postseason picture revealed several surprises that challenged conventional wisdom. The Hawks' unexpected run to the Eastern Conference Finals demonstrated how young teams can mature rapidly under playoff pressure. Trae Young's emergence as a superstar validated my long-standing belief that the 2018 draft class would produce multiple franchise players. Meanwhile, the Lakers' first-round elimination proved that stacking veteran talent doesn't guarantee success - a lesson teams should remember during free agency.

Reflecting on the complete playoff landscape, what struck me most was how health and timing ultimately determined the championship outcome. The Bucks capitalized on opponents' injuries in a way that some might call fortunate, but I see it as the reward for maintaining their core through several disappointing postseason exits. The 2021 playoffs reinforced my belief that continuity matters more than dramatic mid-season changes, though the San Miguel coaching swap shows how different leagues approach this dilemma. As we look toward future seasons, the lessons from these standings and postseason performances should inform how teams build their rosters and coaching staffs. The delicate balance between consistency and adaptability remains the eternal challenge for championship contenders across all basketball leagues.