The 2020-2021 NBA season has been a rollercoaster ride for many teams, with some experiencing immense success and others facing unexpected struggles. As the regular season comes to a close, the playoff picture is becoming clearer, and the winners and losers are starting to emerge. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the teams that have risen to the top and those that have fallen short, including the Golden State Warriors' surprising relegation to the play-in tournament and the Los Angeles Lakers' impressive resurgence.
Losers: Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors, once the dominant force in the NBA, have found themselves in unfamiliar territory. With a 39-33 record, they have been relegated to the play-in tournament, a far cry from their usual position as a top seed in the Western Conference. The team's struggles can be attributed to the absence of key players, including Klay Thompson, who has been out for the entire season due to injury. Despite the valiant efforts of Stephen Curry, who has been on a tear, scoring an average of 32 points per game, the Warriors have been unable to overcome their depth issues.
The Warriors' downfall is a significant blow to their fans, who have grown accustomed to seeing their team compete at the highest level. However, the play-in tournament provides an opportunity for the Warriors to redeem themselves and make a push for the playoffs. With their backs against the wall, the Warriors will need to dig deep and find a way to overcome their struggles if they hope to make a deep postseason run.
Winners: Los Angeles Lakers
On the other hand, the Los Angeles Lakers have been one of the biggest winners of the season. After a slow start, the Lakers have turned their season around, thanks in large part to the return of Anthony Davis and the emergence of Andre Drummond. The team's defense has been stellar, with a league-leading 106.8 defensive rating, and their offense has been clicking, with LeBron James leading the charge. The Lakers' 42-30 record has them sitting in fifth place in the Western Conference, with a good chance of securing home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs.
The Lakers' success is a testament to the team's resilience and determination. Despite facing numerous injuries and setbacks, the Lakers have persevered and are now poised to make a deep playoff run. With their star-studded roster and strong team chemistry, the Lakers are a force to be reckoned with, and their fans have every reason to be excited about the team's prospects.
Other Winners and Losers
Other winners of the season include the Utah Jazz, who have been the surprise team of the year, and the Phoenix Suns, who have been led by the impressive play of Devin Booker and Chris Paul. The Jazz's 52-20 record has them sitting atop the Western Conference, while the Suns' 51-21 record has them in second place.
On the other hand, the Los Angeles Clippers and the Denver Nuggets have been two of the biggest losers of the season. Despite having talented rosters, both teams have struggled with consistency and have underperformed. The Clippers' 47-25 record has them in fourth place in the Western Conference, while the Nuggets' 47-25 record has them in third place.
In conclusion, the 2020-2021 NBA season has been a wild ride, with many teams experiencing unexpected twists and turns. The Golden State Warriors' relegation to the play-in tournament and the Los Angeles Lakers' rise to prominence are just two of the many storylines that have emerged. As the playoffs approach, it will be exciting to see which teams will rise to the top and which will fall short. One thing is certain, however: the NBA playoffs are always full of surprises, and this year's tournament promises to be no exception.
