Looking back at the NBA season in the West, I have to say, it has been nothing short of surprising. Teams that were written off at the beginning made strong comebacks, while a few usual suspects struggled to find their rhythm. Take the Sacramento Kings, for instance. Who would have thought they’d be in the top four? De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis have been a revelation, combining for over 45 points per game on average. It’s like seeing a flashback to the early 2000s when the Kings were a force with Chris Webber and Mike Bibby running the show.
Then you have the Golden State Warriors. Despite early season injuries and Stephen Curry missing significant playing time, they clawed their way to a commendable position. It’s amazing how they managed to wrap up the regular season with a 44-38 record. The shooting efficiency of 38% from beyond the arc, thanks largely to Klay Thompson’s 41.2% performance, gave them the edge they needed in crunch moments. If you’ve been following their dynasty era, this feels reminiscent of their 2015-2016 season, but with more grit and less flash.
Consider the Los Angeles Lakers for a second. After a tumultuous start, riddled with injuries and lineup adjustments, they made some strategic mid-season trades. Acquiring Rui Hachimura and D’Angelo Russell added the needed depth to their roster. LeBron James, in his 20th season, still averaged over 28 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists per game. That longevity is Jordan-esque, and let’s be real, maintaining such a high level of performance at 38 years old is extraordinary.
Speaking of surprises, the Utah Jazz wasn’t supposed to be even remotely competitive after trading away Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert. Yet, they played with a tenacity that surprised many analysts. Lauri Markkanen turned out to be an absolute gem, averaging 25 points and 8 rebounds. He’s shown skills reminiscent of Dirk Nowitzki, making the Milwaukee Bucks’ decision to trade him look questionable. The Jazz ended the season with a 37-45 record, which, while not playoff-worthy, is far better than most predictions.
Let’s not forget the young and promising Memphis Grizzlies. Ja Morant continues to impress with his explosive dunks and clutch performances. Recording a 51-31 record, the Grizzlies capitalized on their defensive strength, leading the NBA in steals per game. Their defensive efficiency made them look like the reincarnation of the Grit and Grind era Grizzlies, but with much more offensive potency. Averaging 114.7 points per game, this young team is one to watch for the future.
Then there’s the Dallas Mavericks, who, despite having Luka Doncic playing MVP-level basketball, failed to crack the top six. You have to question the decision to trade for Kyrie Irving, which seemed like a move of desperation. Though Kyrie added firepower, the team chemistry took a hit. With Luka averaging close to a triple-double—32 points, 9 rebounds, 8 assists—the Mavs ended with a disappointing 38-44 record. Historically, it feels like watching the early 2000s T-Wolves with Kevin Garnett putting up monster numbers, yet failing to go deep in the playoffs.
The New Orleans Pelicans had their ups and downs primarily because of Zion Williamson’s recurring injuries. Despite that, Brandon Ingram carried the team, missing the playoffs by a whisker with a 41-41 record. They maintained a balanced offensive and defensive rating, making them one of the most well-rounded teams per 100 possessions. Hopefully, with a healthy Zion, they could channel that potential into a more successful campaign next season.
Talking about underdogs, the Oklahoma City Thunder have defied expectations yet again. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander blossomed into an All-Star, averaging over 31 points per game. At just 24 years old, his prime is far from over, making him a cornerstone for the franchise. The Thunder, despite not making the playoffs, have a bright future with multiple first-round picks over the next few years, thanks to astute trades involving Chris Paul and Russell Westbrook.
Another team that surprisingly didn’t make the cut is the Minnesota Timberwolves. Karl-Anthony Towns’s limited game time due to injuries dampened their hopes. Anthony Edwards showed flashes of brilliance, but inconsistency plagued the Wolves. Ending with a 42-40 record, they narrowly missed a crucial seed that could have changed their playoff destiny. This isn’t far from the narrative of their 2017-2018 season, where they faced a first-round exit despite having a promising squad.
Finally, you have the Phoenix Suns, who, with the mid-season acquisition of Kevin Durant, aimed to solidify their place at the top. The move paid off to some extent, finishing with a 45-37 record. However, the integration of Durant came with its set of challenges, including limited time to build on-court chemistry. Nonetheless, Devin Booker flourished, averaging 27.3 points, 5.6 assists, and leading the team effectively. It’s an interesting parallel to the 2004 Lakers when they brought in Karl Malone and Gary Payton, aiming for an instant championship but falling just short.
For anyone deeply invested in the dynamics of NBA teams and their performances, this season has offered more twists and turns than a thriller novel. You can check out the detailed standings and see for yourself west standings nba 2023.