I remember the 2017 NBA season so vividly because it was an electrifying roller coaster. The Golden State Warriors dominated the Western Conference with a 67-15 record. This stellar performance translates to a winning percentage of 81.7%, a staggering feat that left fans and analysts in awe. Compare this to the Eastern Conference leaders, the Boston Celtics, who ended with a 53-29 record, achieving a 64.6% winning mark. The gap between these percentages shows just how dominant the Warriors were that season. Every basketball enthusiast, like myself, knew early on that they were the team to beat.
But let’s talk about standout performances because they’re the heart of what makes the NBA so exciting. Russell Westbrook had an MVP season by averaging a triple-double: 31.6 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 10.4 assists per game. Achieving such statistics places him next to the legendary Oscar Robertson, making it the second time in NBA history someone averaged a triple-double over a regular season. I remember watching those games thinking I was witnessing history being made.
The Cleveland Cavaliers, spearheaded by the indomitable LeBron James, finished their regular season with a 51-31 record. LeBron averaged 26.4 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 8.7 assists per game that season. His remarkable stats often overshadowed the team’s ups and downs. Is it any wonder that such an incredible player can have such an impact? It’s like watching a freight train move at top speed on the basketball court. Plus, with players like Kyrie Irving, known for his clutch performances and slick handles, the Cavs always seemed to have a shot.
Let’s not forget about the thrilling playoff chase. The Utah Jazz barely clinched the 5th seed in the Western Conference with a 51-31 record, the same as the Clippers, but they held the tiebreaker. It’s these end-of-season numbers that make or break playoff hopes. For the fans in Salt Lake City, this was a moment of sheer exhilaration. Watching Rudy Gobert’s defensive prowess was like a masterclass in rim protection, and Gordon Hayward’s scoring finesse was something every young player aspired to imitate.
Every time the Warriors and Cavaliers met, especially in the Finals, it was like a clash of titans. Their rivalry was pretty much the epitome of competitive basketball during that era. The Warriors with their ‘Splash Brothers,’ Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, were the epitome of modern basketball with their three-point shooting and fast-paced offense. On the other hand, the Cavaliers had the raw power and strategic acumen brought in by LeBron.
The San Antonio Spurs, a team known for their disciplined and strategic play, ended the season at the second spot in the Western Conference with a 61-21 record. That’s an impressive 74.4% winning rate. Watching Gregg Popovich orchestrate his team was like seeing a grand chess master at work. Every move was deliberate, every play executed with precision. Kawhi Leonard was a defensive juggernaut and also the team’s leading scorer, averaging 25.5 points per game. His ability to influence the game on both ends was a sight to see.
What about the Houston Rockets? James Harden, with his bearded brilliance, led the team to a 55-27 record. He averaged 29.1 points and 11.2 assists per game. Harden’s step-back three-pointer became a nightmare for defenders. I used to sit and watch those games thinking, “How in the world do you defend that guy?” The Rockets’ offensive efficiency was through the roof, largely thanks to Harden’s playmaking abilities.
The Toronto Raptors also caught my eye. They finished with a 51-31 record, same as the Cleveland Cavaliers but secured the third seed due to tiebreakers. DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry were at the helm, making the Raptors a formidable team in the East. DeRozan, with his mid-range game, brought an old-school flavor to a league increasingly dominated by three-pointers. It was like seeing a splash of vintage basketball in modern times.
Then there were the Washington Wizards, who ended fourth in the Eastern Conference with a 49-33 record. John Wall’s speed and court vision were something else that season. He averaged 23.1 points and 10.7 assists per game. I still remember games where Wall would just slice through defenses like they didn’t exist. His connection with Bradley Beal made for a dynamic backcourt duo that teams struggled to contain.
One of the biggest surprises for me was the Milwaukee Bucks and their rising star, Giannis Antetokounmpo. They nabbed the 6th seed in the East with a 42-40 record. Giannis, often dubbed the ‘Greek Freak,’ was starting to show signs of the dominance we see today. His athleticism, combined with his growing skill set, made him a must-watch player. I often wondered how far he’d take the Bucks in coming years, knowing the potential they held.
The bottom teams in both conferences had such contrasting stories. The Brooklyn Nets, for instance, struggled with a 20-62 record, the worst in the league. That’s a winning percentage of just 24.4%. The process of rebuilding and looking for the right pieces was evident. It’s always gut-wrenching to see a team go through such tough times, but it’s part of the cyclical nature of sports. Every fanbase hopes for brighter days ahead.
In context, the 2017 season set the stage for many narratives that would unfold in the years to come. Each team had its own story, its own triumphs and tribulations. I couldn’t help but be fascinated by the sheer drama and athleticism that unfolded on those courts. It’s seasons like these that keep my love for the game alive and burning. For a full rundown of teams and positions, check out the nba standings 2017.