Can you believe the crazy shake-ups in the 2018 NBA rankings? The most jaw-dropping surprise, for me, was the Boston Celtics struggling to meet expectations. With their star-studded roster, including Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward, everyone thought they’d dominate the Eastern Conference. Yet, despite having an impressive 55-win season projected, they barely squeezed out 49 wins. It just felt like they had all the right components—a dynamic offense, solid defense strategies, and a high basketball IQ—but couldn’t bring it together efficiently.
On the other hand, the Los Angeles Lakers took everyone by surprise after signing LeBron James in the offseason. Many speculated that LeBron’s move would instantly turn the Lakers into playoff contenders, but they finished the season with a disappointing 37-45 record, missing the playoffs entirely. Statistically, even the King’s average of 27.4 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game couldn’t carry the team out of mediocrity. It was shocking considering LeBron’s reputation for significantly improving his teams.
Then there’s the case of the Indiana Pacers. Before the season, analysts pegged them as a mid-tier team, but they ended up with 48 wins, securing the fifth seed in the East. Victor Oladipo stepped up his game remarkably, averaging 23.1 points per game and earning Most Improved Player honors. Not many saw that coming, especially when you consider the Pacers were supposedly rebuilding after trading Paul George. How wild is that?
The rise of the Denver Nuggets blew my mind as well. They climbed to the second seed in the Western Conference with a 54-28 record. Nikola Jokić, often underrated, showed why he’s a top-tier center, averaging 20.1 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 7.3 assists per game. Their stellar performance wasn’t just about individual talent. They had great ball movement, an efficient offense, and a solid 117.5 offensive rating. Who really expected the Nuggets to challenge powerhouse teams like the Golden State Warriors and the Houston Rockets?
Speaking of the Rockets, their drop in form was equally surprising. After a stellar 65-win season in 2017-18, they ended the 2018-19 season with just 53 wins. Sure, they were still a strong team, but they didn’t dominate as many expected. Injuries played a significant part, especially with Chris Paul missing 24 games. James Harden’s heroics couldn’t always make up for the team’s deficiencies, even though he averaged a stunning 36.1 points per game. You have to wonder what could have been if health issues hadn’t plagued them.
Not forgetting the Toronto Raptors, who absolutely crushed it. Acquiring Kawhi Leonard in the offseason proved to be a game-changer. Leonard delivered a cool 26.6 points and 7.3 rebounds per game. Their 58-win season was electrifying, especially their incredible postseason run that ultimately culminated in an NBA championship. How many people predicted such a turnaround after their 59-win season ended in a disappointing playoff sweep by Cleveland the previous year?
Also, the Milwaukee Bucks’ transformation under Coach Mike Budenholzer deserves a shout-out. They went from being a mid-tier team to owning the best record in the NBA at 60-22. Giannis Antetokounmpo was the driving force, averaging 27.7 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game. He was a dominant force on both ends of the floor, leading to his first MVP award. Their 118.1 offensive rating and 105.2 defensive rating highlighted their balanced play. How refreshing was it to see Milwaukee become a legit title contender?
However, not all surprises were pleasant. The New Orleans Pelicans, despite having Anthony Davis, couldn’t muster a competitive season, finishing at 33-49. It was a letdown considering Davis was averaging 25.9 points and 12.0 rebounds per game. Team chemistry issues and trade rumors regarding Davis certainly didn’t help their cause. It makes you think about how internal strife can derail a season, doesn’t it?
One more team worth mentioning is the Brooklyn Nets. Prior to the season, the Nets were seen as a long way from playoff contention. Yet, they nailed a playoff spot with a 42-40 record. D’Angelo Russell had a breakout year, showcasing why he deserved to be an All-Star by averaging 21.1 points and 7.0 assists per game. The Nets’ improvement in ball security and their focus on perimeter defense were noteworthy. They capitalized on an efficient 35.3% three-point shooting, which was a big factor in their success. How often do you see a team transform so quickly and efficiently?
Overall, the 2018 NBA season was filled with unpredictability and excitement. Teams and players defied expectations, for better or for worse. Whether it was through significant player acquisitions, coaching changes, or breakout performances, the league’s landscape certainly became anything but predictable. If you followed 2018 nba standings, you probably couldn’t help but marvel at the twists and turns. Here’s to hoping future seasons are just as thrilling and filled with unexpected storylines!